Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to follow 'separate dressing room' protocol in England

India’s teenage batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, will be using a separate dressing room from his teammates during the upcoming five-match T20I series against England in July. The arrangement has been made in line with safeguarding regulations set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for players under the age of 16.

Sooryavanshi will still be allowed inside the team’s dressing room during matches and will take part in team meetings. However, when it comes to changing facilities across the five venues: Chester-Le-Street, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol and Southampton, he will be required to use a separate dressing room. It remains unclear whether the same protocol will apply during India’s two-match T20I series in Ireland, which precedes the England tour.

"This is an ICC event, with their safeguarding procedures active as they have jurisdiction," the England and Wales Cricket Board was quoted as saying by the Guardian. "A safeguarding concern occurring during the event may be managed by the ICC. In addition to this, the ECB Safe Hands policy applies at all times.

"The Cricket Regulator is in contact with the Team Liaison Officer (TLO) for the Indian team to discuss requirements and expectations for the player while he is in the UK. Each County Safeguarding Officer for the relevant cricket venue is also working closely with the Team Liaison Officer to ensure venue protocols and arrangements are understood and adhered to. This is conducted via safeguarding risk assessments.

"It is our understanding that the player's parents will be travelling with him at all times. They are staying in the same hotel, which is outside of usual protocol, but agreed on this occasion due to his age. This additional measure provides us with further confidence that he has family members that can provide the additional level of support and care."

This specific protocol highlights the importance of safeguarding young athletes while ensuring they remain fully integrated into the team environment. For Sooryavanshi, it means balancing his development as part of the senior squad with the protective measures required at his age. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has already confirmed that the southpaw will be accompanied by his parents on the tour.

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