BCCI Revises Age Verification Programme: Second Bone Test Now Allowed to Tackle Inaccuracies in Age-Group Cricket
In a significant step aimed at refining its anti-age-fraud measures, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revised the Age Verification Programme (AVP) used in junior-level cricket. The change, approved during the recent Apex Council meeting, allows for a second bone test for players whose initial bone test indicates an age above the permitted threshold — 16 years for boys and 15 years for girls.
What Has Changed?
Previously, the AVP relied on a single bone age assessment to determine eligibility for age-group competitions. Conducted via X-ray, the test estimates a player’s “bone age”, and BCCI would add one year to this figure to arrive at a “mathematical age.” This calculated age served as the official benchmark for participation in Under-16 (boys) or Under-15 (girls) tournaments.
For example:
- If a boy’s bone age was found to be 14.8 years, the mathematical age becomes 15.8 years, and he is allowed to play in U-16 for that season.
- However, the next year, regardless of the bone test, he would be deemed ineligible, based on the prior result.
Under the new rule, if the same player remains under 16 as per his birth certificate the following year, he may request a repeat bone test. If the result confirms that he is still under 16, he can continue in the Under-16 category.
Why the Change?
The BCCI’s decision acknowledges growing concerns over the accuracy of bone age tests, despite their scientific foundation. Age estimations can occasionally be off due to varying growth rates, genetics, and other health factors.
By allowing a repeat test, the BCCI aims to:
- Provide a fair opportunity to genuine age-group cricketers.
- Ensure that errors or anomalies in initial tests do not prematurely halt a player’s junior career.
- Strengthen the credibility of its age-group tournaments by refining the AVP process.
Applicability for Girls
The same protocol will now apply to girls aged 12–15, aligning the gender policy for bone testing. A repeat test is also permitted for female cricketers if discrepancies are observed and the age on record remains valid.
Measures Against Impersonation
The BCCI has also cracked down on a deceptive practice that emerged in recent years — where parents allegedly sent younger siblings or impersonators to undergo bone tests in place of actual players. This manipulation attempt was detected by the BCCI and state units.
To curb such fraud:
- Aadhaar cards with current photographs are now mandatory before undergoing bone tests.
- BCCI representatives personally oversee the test process during state-wise testing windows in July and August each year.
Final Thought
With over 60–70 players undergoing age verification in every state annually, these modifications to the Age Verification Programme represent a progressive and player-sensitive approach. By introducing a second chance for borderline cases and tightening verification protocols, the BCCI is reinforcing both integrity and fairness in India’s junior cricket ecosystem.
