IPL 2026: ‘He is being exploited’ – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi faces child labour allegations from social activist

The teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been in the headlines for multiple controversies, ranging from allegations of being unprofessional to bizarre claims about using an AI-enabled chip in his bat to score runs. Now, he has once again drawn attention for a new issue.

The latest controversy arose when Karnataka-based social activist CM Shivakumar Nayak threatened to file an FIR against his IPL team, Rajasthan Royals, over allegations of child labour. Speaking during a debate on a Kannada news channel, Nayak claimed that Sooryavanshi is still a minor and is being exploited.

“This 15-year-old boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Rajasthan Royals is being exploited. He is just a child, only 15 years old, and they have brought him into the IPL to play professional cricket. This is nothing but child labour. How can they make a minor boy play in such a big league like this? He should be focusing on his studies, going to school and completing his education instead of playing cricket at this tender age,” said Nayak as quoted by the Republic World.

The activist further argued that Sooryavanshi playing in the league sets a very poor precedent for other children, suggesting it could encourage early professional pressure and potential exploitation in sports. Despite the controversy, Sooryavanshi’s on-field performances have been remarkable. He is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, amassing 404 runs at an impressive average of 40.40 and a striking strike rate of 237.65.

“I strongly condemn this and I will be filing a police complaint or legal case against the Rajasthan Royals management for violating child rights and child labour laws. Don’t let this boy play IPL cricket, it’s child labour, he should study,” said Nayak.

Sooryavanshi, who hails from Samastipur, has had a meteoric rise in the IPL. He was picked up by RR during the IPL 2025 auction for ₹1.10 crore, becoming, at just 13, the youngest player ever to secure an IPL contract. He made his debut against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, 2025, at the age of 14 years and 23 days, setting another record as the youngest debutant in IPL history. Retained by RR ahead of IPL 2026, Sooryavanshi now earns ₹7.5 lakh per match under the match fee structure introduced by the BCCI from the 2025 season.

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