BCCI allows U-19 players an extra year of representation after amending age-test rules

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with an amendment to its previous participation rules for the Under-19 players. Of the few clauses that have been relaxed, one major clause is the TW3 test. The TW3 test is nothing but a Tanner Whitehouse 3 clinical procedure conducted to find out the skeletal age/Bone age to confirm the actual age of an individual. The procedure is carried out mostly during a player's Under-16 term. 

There were several reports of age forgery in the Under-19 arena concerning various nations. As per the report from Cricbuzz, BCCI, with its new amended rule, has said that the players who fail the TW3 test can participate in Under 19 competitions for three years. It is worth noting that, before the update, it permitted players for only two years.

“The Players who have failed TW3 test at U-19 level, but the birth is registered within two years of birth, will be allowed two years of participation in Under-19 tournaments. Such players will now be allowed a maximum of three years Under-19 participation,” a notice said.

Another rule that has been given leeway by BCCI is mentioning a birthdate above two years. There were certain instances before where a player had reported that the birth certificate was registered only two years after birth, which led to the passing TW3 test becoming crucial. The previous rule stated that a player can take part in Under 19 for two years, given the mentioning of birthdate above two years, the same has been amended to three years now.

“The players who have passed TW3 test at Under-16 level, but the birth is registered above two years, then such players will be allowed two years of Under-19 participation.” 

The rule after the amendment states, “Such players will now be allowed a maximum of three years of Under-19 participation.”

Major rules remain unchanged

For the players registering birthdates within two years of birth:“The players having their birth certificate registered within two years of birth are allowed to play three years in the category.” Earlier, such players were allowed to play for only two years.

Coming to the unchanged rules, players who have birth certificates registered after more than two years of the date of birth, given failing the TW3 test, will only be allowed participation of one year in U19. Another unchanged rule is the counting of four seasons per player regardless of showing up in the subsequent one.

“Once a player participates in any Under-19 match in the playing XI during any given season, the counting of 4 seasons will begin irrespective of if the player participates in the following season or not.”