Separate Changing Room for Sooryavanshi in England – Here’s Why

India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be required to use separate changing facilities during India’s upcoming T20 tour of England due to safeguarding regulations, according to a report by the British newspaper The Guardian.

The 15-year-old, who is expected to become India’s youngest international cricketer when he makes his debut against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, will then travel to England for a five-match T20 series.

The Guardian reported that International Cricket Council (ICC) safeguarding rules, along with regulations of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), prohibit players under the age of 16 from using adult changing rooms. As a result, separate facilities will be provided for Sooryavanshi at all venues during the England series.

The report noted that Sooryavanshi will still be allowed in the Indian dressing room during matches and team meetings, with the restriction applying only when players are changing before and after games.

According to The Guardian, the ECB is working closely with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and venue officials to ensure the necessary safeguarding measures are in place. The report also stated that Sooryavanshi’s parents are expected to accompany him throughout the tour.

Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of cricket’s brightest young talents after his record-breaking performances in the IPL and recent exploits for India A, including a blistering 94 off 29 balls against Sri Lanka A.

“This is an ICC event, with their safeguarding procedures active as they have jurisdiction,” an ECB spokesperson told The Guardian, adding that safeguarding assessments are being conducted at all venues to ensure compliance with regulations.