BCCI modifies age verification procedure; allows 2nd bone test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revised its Age Verification Programme (AVP), designed to combat age manipulation in junior cricket. The updated regulations will now permit a second bone test for players whose initial bone age exceeds the set threshold – 16 years for boys and 15 years for girls. This decision was made during a recent Apex Council meeting of the BCCI.

The decision was taken by the board at its recent Apex Council meeting © AFP

Understanding the Original Bone Test Protocol

Previously, the BCCI conducted bone tests for boys aged 14-16. The existing system involved adding one year to a player's determined bone age, creating a 'mathematical age'. This adjusted age served as the official age for determining eligibility in BCCI age-group competitions. For example, a player with a bone age assessed at 14.8 years would have one year added, resulting in a mathematical age of 15.8 years.

If the player's mathematical age was under 16, they were eligible to participate in the Under-16 competitions for that year. Subsequently, the player would typically become ineligible for the Under-16 category the following year.

The New AVP Guidelines: A Second Chance

Under the revised AVP guidelines, players who are still under 16 according to their birth certificate will be granted a second bone test. If the repeat test confirms an age under 16, the player will be allowed to continue competing in that age group. This same process, consisting of an initial bone test followed by a repeat test if required, also applies to girls in the 12-15 age group.

Addressing Accuracy Concerns

The introduction of the second test acknowledges the potential inaccuracies inherent in bone tests. It recognizes that while scientifically sound, the procedure has limitations. The Apex Council approved this repeat test during the past week.

The Bone Test Procedure

Typically, bone tests are conducted via X-ray examinations. These tests are administered before each domestic season, usually in July and August. During this period, state associations receive specific time slots, and a BCCI representative visits each state to oversee the tests. On average, approximately 40-50 boys and 20-25 girls undergo testing in each state, with the tests being performed at an affiliated hospital.

Combating Impersonation

In recent years, the BCCI and state associations have identified a new form of cheating. Some parents were reportedly sending younger individuals to take the tests in place of the actual players, in an attempt to avoid detection.

This impersonation tactic was detected by both the BCCI and the state associations. To prevent such manipulation, BCCI representatives now require a valid Aadhaar document displaying the player's most recent photograph before allowing them to proceed with the tests.