The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently amended its participation rules for Under-19 players, introducing more flexibility and revising clauses related to the TW3 test. The Tanner Whitehouse 3 (TW3) test, a clinical procedure to determine the skeletal age of a person, has been pivotal in verifying the age of players and categorizing them for U-16 competitions.
Historically, there have been numerous instances of falsified TW3 test results within the U-19 arena across cricket-playing nations. In light of these issues, the BCCI has now declared that players who fail the TW3 test can participate in U-19 competitions for up to three years, extending the previous limit of two years.
A recent Cricbuzz report highlights the BCCI’s new amendment: “Players who have failed the TW3 test at the U-19 level, but whose 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.”
BCCI Allows U-19 Players an Additional Year of Participation; Amends Age Test Rules
Another significant rule change pertains to the registration of birth dates. Previously, players whose birth certificates were issued more than two years after their birth could only play for two years in the U-19 category. The new amendment provides these players with an additional year of participation.
The original rule stated: “Players who have passed the TW3 test at the Under-16 level, but whose birth is registered above two years, then such players will be allowed two years of Under-19 participation.” The amended rule now reads: “Such players will now be allowed a maximum of three years of Under-19 participation.”
One major rule that remains unchanged is that players with birth certificates registered within two years of birth are still allowed to play for three years in the category.
These changes reflect the BCCI’s commitment to creating a fair and inclusive environment for young cricketers, ensuring they have ample opportunities to develop and showcase their talents in the U-19 category.
