The Vaibhav Suryavanshi Age Controversy has taken the cricketing world by storm after the young batting sensation from Bihar was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for a whopping ₹1.1 crore during the IPL Mega Auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 24-25 November 2024. Initially believed to be just 13 years old, Vaibhav’s age was a major talking point, making him the youngest player ever bought in IPL auction history. However, recent revelations have sparked debates regarding his actual age, with reports suggesting that Vaibhav is in fact 15 years old.
What Sparked the Vaibhav Suryavanshi Age Controversy?
The controversy began when an April 2023 interview of Vaibhav surfaced online, where he claimed to be turning 14 years old in September 2023. This calculation clearly places his current age at 15 years as of November 2024, instead of the originally assumed 13.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts wasted no time sharing this video across social media platforms, questioning the legitimacy of his age claim and the IPL auction process. Some have even called for disqualification of Vaibhav’s bid, labelling this as a case of age fraud.
IPL AGE FRAUD ALERT 🚨🚨🚨
#VaibhavSuryavanshi is 15 Year’s old not 13 Year’s old@IPL and @BCCI
Should take some Action on his parents
#TATAIPLAuction #TATAIPL @rajasthanroyals #RR pic.twitter.com/D45J5GYO5g— HELL (@SRK_Arlo) November 25, 2024
Is Age Fraud Common in Cricket?
Age fraud is not an unheard-of issue in the world of cricket, especially in the Asian subcontinent, where players are often accused of falsifying their ages to prolong their careers.
A recent example is Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, whose wife Hasin Jahan leaked his alleged driving license online, claiming Shami’s real birth year to be 1982, making him 42 years old instead of the publicly stated 34 years.
While Vaibhav’s situation doesn’t diminish his achievements, it has certainly put a spotlight on the need for more stringent verification processes during events like the IPL auction.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Achievements Despite the Controversy
Even if Vaibhav is 15 years old, this still makes him the youngest player to ever get auctioned in IPL history. His exceptional talent and determination to succeed have earned him a spot in one of the IPL’s most competitive teams, the Rajasthan Royals. This achievement speaks volumes about his dedication to the sport at such a young age.
Final Thoughts
The Vaibhav Suryavanshi Age Controversy highlights an ongoing issue in cricket regarding accurate age documentation. However, amidst the debates, it’s important not to overlook the talent and hard work that led Vaibhav to this incredible milestone.