BCCI eases participation rules for Under-19 cricketers

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has updated its rules for Under-19 players, making some significant changes for the upcoming season. These adjustments aim to offer more flexibility to young cricketers.

One key change, as stated in a recent notice by BCCI general manager Abey Kuruvilla, involves the TW3 test. The TW3 test, also known as the Tanner Whitehouse 3 method, is used to determine a player's age by examining their bone maturity. Previously, players who failed this test were allowed to participate in Under-19 competitions for only two years. Under the new rule, these players can now compete for up to three years.

The BCCI's notice explains: "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." The amended rule says, "Such players will now be allowed a maximum of three years Under-19 participation."

Another important amendment addresses players with birth certificates registered more than two years after birth. Previously, these players, even if they passed the TW3 test at the Under-16 level, were only allowed two years of participation in Under-19 competitions. The new rule extends this period to three years.

For players who enter directly into the Under-19 category with birth certificates registered within two years of birth, the allowed participation period has also been extended from two to three years. However, the rule for those with birth certificates registered more than two years after birth remains unchanged; these players will only be allowed one year of direct participation in the Under-19 category.

One significant rule that remains unchanged is the counting of participation seasons. Once a player competes in any Under-19 match during a season, the four-season participation period begins, regardless of whether the player participates in the following seasons.

These updates from the BCCI are intended to provide more opportunities for young cricketers while maintaining the integrity of age verification processes.