In a bid to increase the credibility of Indian junior cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has brought about a major change in its Age Verification Programme (AVP). The decision, taken in the recent Apex Council meeting, permits a second bone test for age suitability on certain conditions.
This move is meant to put an end to doubts over the reliability of bone tests and reduce cases of age-fudging even further. Skeletal Analysis Institutes.
What Has Changed in the Age Verification Procedure?
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Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Age Verification system operated a single bone test policy for boys from 14 to 16 years and girls from 12 to 15 years.
The bone age, once established through an X-ray, was increased by one year to compute the ‘mathematical age’, which was considered the official age for competing in age-group tournaments.
Example:
If a boy’s bone age was determined to be 14.8 years, the BCCI would increase it by one year, resulting in 15.8. Because the player continued to fall below the U-16 limit, he was considered eligible for that year. For the following year, he would automatically be ineligible regardless of his true birth certificate.
Those whose bone age is above the cut-off (16 for males, 15 for females) shall be eligible for a second bone test if they are below the age limit based on their official birth certificate.
In case the second test reveals an age within the allowed limit, the player will be permitted to continue playing in the corresponding age-group competitions. This modification recognizes the scientific constraints of bone testing, providing a better-balanced and equitable evaluation process for young players.
Why the Change? Accuracy and Fairness
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The introduction of a repeat test by BCCI is based on universal recognition that bone tests, though scientific, are not perfect. Natural differences in genetics, nutrition, or the geographical area may lead to differences in bone age results. Through the provision of a second test, the BCCI wants to prevent actual youth talent from being unnecessarily disqualified as a result of possible testing errors.
How Bone Tests Are Conducted
A bone test is carried out through X-ray imaging. Tests are arranged before every domestic season of cricket, usually in July and August. A representative of the BCCI makes a visit to the associations of states at this time to monitor testing. Tests are conducted at BCCI-associated hospitals. Around 40-50 boys and 20-25 girls of each state are tested for bones on average each year.
Stricter ID Verification
The BCCI has also dealt with another issue impersonation of players during tests. Over the past few years, there were some reports that parents attempted to cheat by taking younger children in the place of older children to pass the test.
To prevent this:
Aadhaar cards with recent photographs are compulsory for all players before the test. Board of Control for Cricket in India officials check identification prior to taking the test. This step of verification is vital to preventing manipulation and ensuring the integrity of Indian youth cricket.
A Balanced and Transparent Age Verification System by BCCI
The new reform in the Age Verification process shows the board’s determination to keep junior cricket fair and transparent. The introduction of a second bone test by the BCCI has brought into the system a much-needed flexibility since no one test should decide a young player’s future.
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