Why can’t Vaibhav Sooryvanshi share the dressing room of Team India in England?

Teen Batting Sensation Vaibhav Sooryvanshi | Photo credit: Dumidupadeniya

India’s batting prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, will not be allowed to share the same dressing room with other players on the England tour. The teenage batsman is to be given a separate dressing room as part of safety regulations set by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

India’s tour of Ireland is scheduled to begin with a two-match T20 International (T20I) series from Friday (June 26, 2026) in Belfast. After the T20I series, the Indian team will travel to England for a five-match series from July 1 to July 19, 2026. Suryavanshi will not be part of the senior dressing room during the entire England series, which is under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board. Sooryavanshi’s parents would accompany him during his English tour.

Notably, Sooryvanshi was allowed to share the same dressing room with senior players during his stint with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.

What is the ECB’s locker room policy for U-16 players?

ECB Safeguards have a strict policy and prohibit players under the age of 16 from changing or sharing rooms with adults under any circumstances. “Clubs should provide separate facilities or alternate times so that children and adults never change clothes together,” the rule states.

ECB rules for changing rooms and showers

The guidelines set by the board further state that “If a player under the age of 16 is part of an open (adult) team, they should either come already changed into their playing gear. Otherwise, they may use a separate changing area”. However, team talks, including tactical analysis or game plans, are allowed to all in attendance, provided no one changes or showers when players under 16 are in the room.

In addition, the ECB also prohibits the use of mobile phones in locker rooms for privacy and security reasons.

In particular, the ECB’s safeguarding regulations came into force in the early 2000s following wider child protection reforms in sport in the UK. Earlier policies were less strict, dictating that “Adults must not change or shower at the same time as children – if the same changing room is used, they must have different times”. However, in 2010 the guidelines became standard across all ECB-affiliated clubs, with county boards and clubs adopting policies requiring separate arrangements for changes for juniors.

The prevailing rule came into effect in November 2023, “Locker Rooms and Showers”, which specifically prohibits players under 18 from sharing or changing locker rooms with adults.

Was Sachin Tendulkar allowed to use the dressing room on his debut?

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar was allowed to use the dressing room when he made his India debut at the age of 16 in November 1989. Back then, no modern regulations interfered with banning Tendulkar from using the dressing room. The current distinction is due to improved cricket board policies to ensure an inclusive and protective environment for players.

It is crucial to note that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has never made a clear policy prohibiting minors selected for senior international teams from using their dressing rooms. Likewise, the BCCI did not implement any such policies until the late 1980s.

The ECB’s response to the restrictions

According to a recent report by The Guardian, Sooryvanshi will face zero restrictions on access to the pre-match team interview room, with the answer only taking effect if he changes after and before the match. To ensure that Sooryavanshi does not face any hurdle, the ECB has engaged the BCCI to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place.

“This is an ICC sporting event for which safeguarding procedures are actively in place,” the ECB said, adding that the cricket regulator is in touch with the team liaison officer for the Indian team to share the player’s requirements during their England tour.

He further added that “Each District Security Officer for the relevant cricket venue also works closely with the Team Liaison Officer to ensure that venue protocols and measures (especially room environment changes) are followed. This is done through security risk assessments.”

Additionally, ECB confirmed that Sooryvanshi’s parents will travel with him throughout the schedule. Due to his age, the parents of the juvenile offender were allowed to stay in the same hotel, although this is not part of the protocol.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 13:44 IST