Age fudging in Giles Shield concerns Bangar

The overage issue in cricket doesn’t seem to end.  After 11 Mumbai under-16 players were caught by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in November, the issue has resurfaced again.

On Wednesday, Don Bosco High School, Matunga, registered a protest with Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) against Al Barkaat Public School at the end of a Giles Shield match at
Cross Maidan.

This time, a strong voice  is fighting against the menace. Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar, whose 13-year-old son, Aryan, was injured while playing for Don Bosco on the second day of the three-day tournament on Tuesday, expressed his displeasure.

“He (Aryan) was hit on the head and shoulders while fielding at short-leg. We took X-rays and luckily there were no fractures. But it could have been fatal if the impact was harder,” said Bangar.  
Bangar has alleged that the overaged players fielded in the tournament are the cause for this. “Such practices are rampantly followed by certain teams. At U-14 level, matches should be between children of the same age-groups. But many schools field overaged players to get an edge over the others. Coaches need to be aware about the children’s safety,” he added.

An official from Al Barkaat, speaking on condition of anonymity, refuted the claims. “We have been doing well in both Harris and Giles Shield. These are false allegations. They lost the match, hence they are accusing us of fielding overaged players.”

Meanwhile, MSSA said it will conduct an inquiry. “We will go to Al Barkaat school to check the players’ documents. After that, we will see what needs to be done,” said cricket secretary HS Bhor.