IPL franchise faces FIR amid child labour exploitation allegations

MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League has found itself at the centre of an unusual controversy after social activist CM Shivakumar Nayak threatened to lodge an FIR against the Rajasthan Royals over the inclusion of 15-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Nayak has alleged that the teenager’s participation in the high-profile league amounts to “child labour”, accusing the franchise of exploiting a minor by allowing him to compete in one of the world’s most commercially driven cricket tournaments.

Speaking during a televised debate, the activist argued that Suryavanshi should be prioritising his education rather than playing professional cricket at such a young age. He further claimed that the inclusion of minors in elite competitions sets a problematic precedent and raises concerns over child rights protections.

The remarks have sparked wider public discussion about the presence of young athletes in top-level professional sport, particularly in leagues as intense and commercially demanding as the IPL. Suryavanshi’s performances this season have already drawn attention, adding to the visibility of the debate.

However, no formal complaint has been filed so far, and the issue currently remains a public controversy rather than a legal proceeding.

Under Indian labour law, children below 14 are prohibited from engaging in any form of employment, while adolescents aged 14 to 18 are restricted from hazardous work. This has created a legal grey area when applied to professional sports, which are not explicitly categorised as traditional labour, further complicating the debate around the issue.