In a significant move to enhance the fairness and integrity of cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced new rules for the participation of U-19 cricketers in domestic tournaments. This decision is part of the BCCI’s ongoing efforts to eliminate age and domicile fraud in the sport.
Brigadier Anil Gupta, Member-Administration of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), disclosed the new guidelines through a press statement today. According to Brigadier Gupta, the BCCI has sent a detailed letter to all affiliate units, including JKCA, outlining the revised rules for U-19 player participation.
New Participation Rules:
Players Failing TW3 Test:
For players who failed the TW3 (Tanner-Whitehouse 3) test at the U-16 level but whose birth is registered within two years of birth, the maximum allowed participation in U-19 tournaments has been increased to three years from the previous limit of two years.
Players Passing TW3 Test:
Players who passed the TW3 test at the U-16 level but whose birth is registered within two years will be allowed four years of participation in U-19 tournaments, as was permitted under the earlier rules.
Players Passing TW3 Test with Late Birth Registration:
For those who passed the TW3 test at the U-16 level but whose birth is registered more than two years after birth, the participation in U-19 tournaments has been adjusted to three years instead of the earlier two years.
Direct Entry in U-19:
Players entering directly into U-19 with a birth certificate registered more than two years after birth will be restricted to one year of U-19 participation, consistent with the earlier regulations.
Players with a birth certificate registered within two years will now be permitted three years of participation in U-19 tournaments, an increase from the previous two-year limit.
Implications and Benefits:
Brigadier Gupta highlighted the potential benefits of these rule changes for young cricketers. “The revised rules are designed to address and prevent age fudging, ensuring that all players compete fairly,” he said. “These amendments are a significant step by the BCCI to promote integrity and transparency in cricket.”
The new regulations aim to create a more level playing field and to provide genuine young talent with ample opportunities to showcase their skills in domestic cricket.
