Credit: BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has changed its procedure for the Age Verification Programme (AVP), which aims to stop age-fudging in junior cricket. The board will allow a second bone test for players whose bone crosses the threshold of 16 (for boys) and 15 (for girls). The board took the decision in its Apex-Council meeting held recently. The modifications will be implemented this year. Thus far, the BCCI has been conducting bone tests belonging to the 14-16 age group. According to the current policy, once the player’s bone age is learnt, one year is added to it. The modified age, also known as mathematical age, - is recognised as the official age for eligibility in the BCCI age-group competitions.
For instance, if a player’s bone is evaluated as 14.5, the board adds one more year to it which makes it 15.5. With the moderated age, the player will be allowed to participate in the under-16 tournaments. However, under the latest AVP rules, if the player is under 16 according to his birth certificate, he will be eligible to take the second bone test. If the consecutive tests showed him under-16, he will be given the nod to mark his presence in the under-16 competitions. Girls, aged 12-15 age group, will also follow the same process.
BCCI looking to come heavily on the age-fraud conundrum
In recent years, the board has caught a new method of cheating. Reports reveal that in its endeavour to avoid detections, some parents were sending younger children to take the tests instead of actual players.
However, both board and state associations have now allied to stop this impersonation manoeuvre. To stop such fraudulent strategies, BCCI officials now stress on carrying a valid Aadhar carrying the latest photographs before permitting them to go through the tests.
