New Delhi: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi will use a separate dressing room from the rest of the Indian squad during the upcoming tours of Ireland and England due to international safeguarding regulations for underage players.
The 15-year-old cricketer, who has been included in India’s T20 squad, will continue to train, travel and participate in team meetings alongside his teammates. However, he will be required to use a separate changing room and washroom facility during matches.
The arrangement is being implemented in accordance with safeguarding guidelines laid down by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for players under the age of 16. The ICC introduced these regulations in 2019 to ensure the safety and welfare of minor athletes participating in international competitions.
India are scheduled to begin their T20 series against Ireland on June 26 before travelling to England for a white-ball tour. The England leg includes five T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, starting July 1.
Similar protocols have been followed in other sports as well. In December 2025, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, who was also 15 at the time, was required to use separate dressing-room facilities from senior players under safeguarding rules in English football.
Despite the dressing-room restrictions, Suryavanshi will remain fully integrated with the Indian team throughout the tour and is expected to gain valuable international exposure during the series.
