What is Bone Test in Cricket and why is BCCI changing its verification process ?
The article highlights a deep-rooted problem of age fudging and the BCCI's recent decision during an Apex Council meeting on steps to undergo a second bone test for players who play junior cricket. The body has made serious changes in verification process.
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BCCI's move will surely provide fairness to children and also address the problems related to the authenticity of bone tests. Until now, girls aged between 12-15 years and boys aged between 14-16 years were screened for such tests before they could play in BCCI-organised age group competitions.
What is Bone Test in Cricket ?
The BCCI has made a plan to verify the 'bone age' through X-rays and add an additional year to it. This age will determine if the child is eligible to play. If a kid's bone age comes out as 14.8, the BCCI would adjust it to 15.8 which will make that kid eligible to play at the under-16 age group. On the other hand, he/she won't be able to play in the next season even if his/her real age is under 16.
This process won't be the same anymore as with the new change, if a player is still under the cutoff age as per documents, he/she can undergo a second bone test. If the player managed to pass this test, he/she can play in the age category.
These new steps highlight the popular belief. Bone tests have emerged as a game-changer due to their scientific reasons; they aren't accurate. The second test provides a level playing field for those who weren't satisfied with the first test.
Also Read:BCCI 2025–26: Ranji Trophy from Oct 15, T20 Knockouts Get New Format
Need for current changes
Junior Cricket has faced age fraud for some years now, and there have been instances when parents themselves sent their younger child for bone tests to avoid being caught.
Higher-ups managed to nip this menace in the bud and made strict changes. Aadhar cards are now compulsory with new photographs, even before a child undergoes an X-ray.
How does BCCI's bone test functions?
BCCI officials visit state associations every year in the months of July and August to carry out the bone tests. There is a period for every State and players undergo bone testing at hospitals. In every state, 40-50 boys and 20-25 girls undergo the test. After the implementation of the new rule, players are given another chance without being unfair, and also, the cheats will be caught. Cricketers who might not have made it due to some minor error can get another while those who indulged in age fraud would be caught.
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