The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a revised regulation for junior cricket eligibility in the wake of fresh age-fraud allegations involving IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The move is aimed at ensuring no deserving player is denied an extra year in age-group tournaments due to outdated or inaccurate verification methods.
⚠️ Background: The Suryavanshi Controversy
Vaibhav Suryavanshi rose to fame during IPL 2025, becoming the youngest ever to be signed at the auction at just 13 years and 288 days, earning a ₹1.1 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals. But the hype quickly gave way to controversy as claims surfaced that he was actually 15 at the time.
The issue gained traction when an old video clip went viral, allegedly showing Vaibhav stating a different birth date. Though the video’s authenticity remains unconfirmed, the BCCI has acted swiftly, setting a precedent in how age verification will be conducted going forward.
“We don’t fear anyone. He can undergo the bone test again,” said his father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, defending his son’s record.
BCCI’s New Rule: A Second Bone Test for U-16 Players
The existing TW3 bone-age test adds a ‘1 factor’ to a player’s calculated bone age, which can result in players being ruled out by the narrowest of margins. To address this, the BCCI will now:
- Conduct a second bone test in the following season for players who are ruled out due to the ‘1 factor’ method.
- Ensure that scientific accuracy prevails over arithmetic assumption.
“This means the bone age must be 16.4 or below for male cricketers and 14.9 or below for females to qualify,” a BCCI source confirmed to PTI.
For example:
- If a player tests 15.4 years in 2025/26, he’ll be allowed to play U-16 in 2026/27 without another test, as the ‘1 factor’ caps him at 16.4.
Why This Matters
The BCCI’s initiative aims to:
- Curb age fraud in Indian cricket.
- Ensure fair play and preserve trust in the system.
- Protect young players from losing eligibility due to technicalities.
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