13-year-old Indian cricketer who wins $130,500 IPL dealA 13-year-old has made history by becoming the youngest player to secure a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recognised as the wealthiest cricket tournament globally.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, hailing from the eastern state of Bihar, has been acquired by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for 11 million rupees ($130,500; £103,789) during the recent auctions held in Saudi Arabia.
The left-handed batter has showcased his talent on a national stage, representing his state in prestigious tournaments like the Ranji and Mushtaq Ali trophies and competing for India in Under-19 international matches.
Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals entered the bidding for the player, starting at 3 million rupees. Ultimately, it was Rajasthan Royals, the team where he had previously trained, that successfully secured the deal.
The landscape of Indian cricket, once heavily influenced by urban hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, has undergone a significant transformation. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has successfully broadened its reach, drawing talent from remote villages and smaller towns nationwide.
Suryavanshi, currently in Dubai for the India Under-19 Asia Cup, made headlines earlier this year by debuting in the Ranji Trophy at 12, representing Bihar in a match against Mumbai.
Throughout his five appearances in the Ranji Trophy, he has achieved a top score of 41 runs. The pinnacle of his career thus far has been marked by a remarkable 58-ball century as an opener in an Under-19 unofficial Test against Australia just a few weeks ago. This achievement also earned him the distinction of being the youngest player to score a century in youth cricket.
He achieved an impressive unbeaten score of 332 during an Under-19 tournament held in Bihar.
RR recognised the untapped potential in the young athlete, who made a significant impression on the coaching staff during a recent training session.
He’s an incredible talent, and naturally, confidence is essential for him to perform at the IPL level’, stated the team’s CEO, Jake Lush McCrum, in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo following the conclusion of the auction.
He acknowledged that Suryavanshi’s development would necessitate effort but emphasised, “he is a hell of a talent, and we’re excited to have him as part of the franchise”.
Despite Indian laws prohibiting child labour for those under 14, experts highlight a significant gap in regulations concerning sports, where athletes below this age frequently participate in national and international competitions.
However, to participate in an international match organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Suryavanshi might need to bide his time until he reaches the age of 15, as this is the minimum age requirement established by the sport’s governing body.
The announcement of Suryavanshi’s auction and the substantial value of his contract has elicited considerable happiness within his family, who previously sold their land to support his aspirations in cricket.
Sanjiv Suryavanshi, speaking to the PTI news agency, expressed pride in his son, stating, “he is not just my son now but is Bihar’s son.”
Mr Suryavanshi, a farmer from Bihar, relocated to Mumbai in search of employment opportunities. He recounted his experiences working as a bouncer in a nightclub and at a public toilet, as reported by the Indian Express.
His primary focus now is to guarantee that his son stays grounded. “I will speak with him to ensure this IPL auction does not inflate his ego.” “He still has a long way to go,” he remarked.
