MCA’s U-16 cricketers reported overage

The Indian cricket board’s bone test on Mumbai Cricket Association’s U-16 cricketers has sparked a furore. As many as 11 on the list have been reported ‘overage’. The tests were conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) more than a month back.

MCA has got the report four days before the selection trial tournament for the U-16 boys’ Shatkar Trophy. The 11 cricketers, marked in the higher age category, were selected for this round-robin league.

This year, the BCCI has opted for a new digital device to verify players’ age. It has been globally accepted as the most accurate among the various age-determination techniques. The board feels the move will eliminate the practice of age fudging, rampant in various junior tournaments. Meanwhile, parents of the supposedly overage players have lodged a complaint with the MCA. They have already expressed their displeasure to MCA chief Ravi Savant.

“They met the president with the necessary documents and have raised doubts over the process. We will take up the matter with the BCCI in a couple of days,” said MCA joint secretary PV Shetty.
Meanwhile, the BCCI said that the reports could be reviewed in case of a difference of opinion. BCCI’s CAO Ratnakar Shetty told DNA, “The TW3 method is accurate. We have tested players from all associations and with each player we have our representative. We also have two specialist doctors to oversee the whole procedure. If there is a difference of opinion, the view of a third foreign expert will be sought.”