The 13-year-old Indian cricketer who won a $130,500 IPL deal

In a remarkable turn of events, a 13-year-old cricketer named Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made headlines by becoming the youngest player to secure a lucrative contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is known as the richest cricket tournament globally. Vaibhav was sold to the Rajasthan Royals for an impressive sum of 11 million rupees, equivalent to approximately $130,500. This significant achievement occurred during a two-day auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Hailing from the eastern state of Bihar, Vaibhav has demonstrated exceptional talent in cricket, having represented his state in prestigious competitions such as the Ranji and Mushtaq Ali trophies, as well as playing for India in Under-19 international matches. During the auction, both Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals expressed interest in acquiring him, with initial bids starting at 3 million rupees. Ultimately, Rajasthan Royals, where Vaibhav had previously trained, emerged victorious in securing his services. Currently, Vaibhav is in Dubai, participating in the Under-19 Asia Cup. He has already made a significant impact in his cricketing career, notably scoring a remarkable century in just 58 balls during an unofficial Test match against Australia, which earned him the title of the youngest player to achieve a century in youth cricket. Additionally, he showcased his skills by scoring an astonishing 332 runs in an Under-19 tournament held in Bihar. The coaching staff at Rajasthan Royals recognized his raw potential during a training session, leading to their decision to invest in him. Jake Lush McCrum, the CEO of the team, expressed his excitement about having Vaibhav on board, acknowledging his incredible talent while also emphasizing the need for continued development to meet the demands of the IPL level. Vaibhav made his debut in the Ranji tournament at the tender age of 12, facing off against a formidable team from Mumbai. While Indian laws prohibit child labor for individuals under 14 years old, there are currently no specific regulations governing young athletes in sports, allowing them to compete in national and international events. However, to participate in an international match organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Vaibhav will need to wait until he turns 15, as this is the minimum age requirement set by the governing body of cricket. The news of Vaibhav's auction and the substantial contract he received has brought immense joy to his family, who had to make significant sacrifices, including selling their land, to support his cricketing aspirations. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, expressed his pride, stating that Vaibhav is not just his son but also a son of Bihar. Sanjiv, who has worked various jobs, including as a bouncer in a nightclub and at a public toilet, is now focused on ensuring that his son remains humble and grounded. He plans to have an open conversation with Vaibhav to ensure that the excitement surrounding the IPL auction does not lead to complacency. Sanjiv is determined to instill in his son the understanding that while this is a significant achievement, there is still a long journey ahead in the world of cricket.