Published: Jul 08, 2016, 01:17 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 08, 2016, 07:51 AM (IST)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a bit to curb on age-fudging in Under-19 level are planning to implement some stricter laws and regulations for players. BCCI have written to all the state cricket associations to keep a check on regulations and be more stringent when it comes to application of it. Upcoming Domestic season 2016-17 will see U-19 player submit as many as three age verification document attested as proof for their real age to the associations. Age-verification programme or the AVP and the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 method also known as TW3 will continue at the Under-16 level. TW3 is a test where bone maturity of the players is gauged. TW3 method has been adopted by the BCCI since 2012 along with the AVP programme. ALSO READ: Rahul Dravid: Cap on player participation in ICC U-19 World Cup will help curb age fudging
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke has informed all state cricket authorities of the same, he adds ”There are some cricketers who enter at the Under-19 age-group level. Such players should submit at least three documents to support their date of birth if they are to be considered to participate in the Under-19 tournaments directly without having entered the BCCI circuit at the Under-16 level.” Shirke further adds that it is the state associations responsibility to stop the problem of fake birth certificates. “You are requested to discourage cricketers who submit birth certificates issued just a few years before,” he stated in the email.
Current India-19 coach and former Test captain Rahul Dravid has stated that he is glad that BCCI has made it a rule and felt it will have a positive impact on cricketers of coming generations. ”Really glad that the BCCI is taking some steps to try to address the over-age issue. There is no quick fix to it but at least a step in the right direction has been taken. The age fudging issue is a major problem and I see it having an adverse impact on the development of cricketers and the continued participation of more deserving people in the game.”
