13-YEAR-OLD GETS IPL DEAL
History was made when Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player ever to get a deal in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The IPL takes place annually in India and is known for being the world’s richest cricket tournament.
Every year, several auctions take place where players are bought by the owners of the different teams competing in the league.
Suryavanshi hails from the eastern state of Bihar and is a left-handed batsman.
He represented his state in the national championships as well as his country in the recent under-19 international.
At the auctions, Suryavanshi was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for 11 million rupees. It amounts to R2.36 million.
Initially, both the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals wanted to buy him, but eventually, the Rajasthan Royals managed to win the deal.
Suryavanshi’s family had to sell their land in order to pay for his cricket dreams, a deal which has definitely paid off.
Although picked as a player, the 13-year-old will have to wait until he’s 15 to play an international match. That’s because 15 is the minimum age limit set by cricket’s governing body.
Image credit: BBC