The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has updated its Age Verification Programme (AVP) to further prevent age-fudging in junior cricket. From this year, junior players whose bone age is found above the threshold—16 years for boys and 15 years for girls—can now undergo a second bone test, as per the latest decision by the Apex Council.
How It Works:
Previously, BCCI conducted bone X-ray tests for boys aged 14–16 and girls aged 12–15. The bone age determined from the X-ray was increased by one year (the ‘mathematical age’) to decide eligibility. For instance, if a boy’s bone age was 14.8, the adjusted age became 15.8, making him eligible for Under-16 cricket that year.
New Policy Change:
With the new system, if a player’s official birth certificate still lists them as under 16 (for boys) or under 15 (for girls) after the first bone test, they will be allowed a second test. If the repeat test confirms eligibility, the player can continue in that age group. This addresses concerns about the accuracy of bone age tests and promotes fair opportunities.
Additional Measures:
The BCCI has also clamped down on impersonation, requiring an Aadhaar card with a recent photograph for all bone test candidates. This move comes after instances of parents sending younger siblings for tests in place of the actual players.
Testing Details:
Bone tests are typically carried out at state-affiliated hospitals before each domestic season, with BCCI officials present. Around 40–50 boys and 20–25 girls undergo the tests in every state each year.
The revised policy aims to make the age verification process more transparent and reliable for junior cricketers in India.
