15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi selected for the T20 team.
He has been included in the squad for the Ireland and England tours.
Will get a separate dressing room under ICC and ECB's safeguarding policy.
Vaibhav's parents will also accompany him throughout the tour.
New Delhi | A new star is rising in the history of Indian cricket. 15-year-old opening batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been selected for the Indian T20 team for the tour of Ireland and England. As historic as this selection is, its rules are just as special.
Due to his young age, Vaibhav Suryavanshi will not be able to share the dressing room with senior players of the team. This decision has been taken under the strict safeguarding rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The main objective of these rules is to provide a safe and positive environment for young and minor players. Therefore, Vaibhav will be provided with a separate changing room and other necessary facilities at every match venue, which will be separate from the senior team.
According to ECB rules, any player under the age of 16 is not allowed to use a common dressing room with the senior team. This policy gives top priority to the safety, privacy, and mental health of young players.
This rule is also known as the 'Safe Hands Policy'. The ECB has clarified that since this is a series under the ICC, safeguarding procedures will be strictly followed. A special safeguarding officer will be deployed at every venue.
An ECB official said in a statement to 'The Guardian',
"We are in constant contact with the Indian team's liaison officer, and safeguarding officers at every venue are ensuring that all protocols related to the dressing room are strictly followed."
Parents will also accompany him on the entire tour
Considering Vaibhav's age, another special arrangement has been made, which is not commonly seen. His parents will travel with him throughout the tour and stay in the same hotel where the Indian team is staying.
This special permission has been granted so that the young player does not face any mental pressure and receives full support from his family. This step will ensure that Vaibhav can focus on his game without any worries.
The ECB commented, "Given his age, this special permission has been granted, which is not usually given. We are confident that he will receive full family support."
This step will set a precedent not only for Vaibhav but also for future young talents. It shows how sensitive and responsible the world of cricket is towards young players, allowing them to perform at their best without any pressure.
बलजीत सिंह शेखावत
