BCCI makes changes in India Under-19 eligibility rules to enhance player opportunities

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made significant changes in the rules for the participation of Under-19 cricketers for the upcoming season. The rule change is likely to allow the talent pool to be even wider from now onwards.

According to a recent statement to the state associations, the BCCI has informed that those players who fail the Tanner Whitehouse 3 test can now participate in the Under-19 competitions for three years. The permission was just for two years before.

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What is Tanner Whitehouse 3 test and what is the amended rule?

According to the statement, the existing rule states: "The Players who have failed TW3 test at Under-19 level but the birth is registered within two years of birth, will be allowed two years of participation in Under-19 tournaments." Meanwhile, the amended rule states, "Such players will now be allowed a maximum of three years of Under-19 participation."

The rule is related to the birth registration of a cricketer. The date of registration is mentioned at the birth certificate of a player's birth and the board has allowed up to two years for the registration here. Lately, the birth is usually mentioned immediately, within six months.

Tanner Whitehouse 3 method or TW3 test is a skeletal maturity test or bone test that is conducted to determine the approximate age of a player. It is done at the Under-16 level.

Other rules amended by BCCI for Under-19 cricket

There is another amended rule for those players who have registered birth above two years. According to the current rule, "The players who have passed TW3 test at Under-16 level but the birth is registered above two years, then such players will be allowed two years of Under-19 participation." The amended rule states: "Such players will now be allowed a maximum of three years of Under-19 participation."

There is one more rule that has been amended by the board. The rules relate to the direct entry of the players into the Under-19 category. The players having their birth certificate registered within two years of birth are allowed to play three years in the category. Previously, such players were allowed to play just for two years.

Some rules for Under-19 remain unchanged

However, some rules remain unchanged. If the birth certificate of a cricketer is registered two years after the birth, he will be allowed only a single year of direct participation in the Under-19.

Another significant rule that remains unchanged states: "Once a player participates in any Under-19 match in the Playing XI during any given season, the counting of 4 seasons will begin irrespective of if the player participates in the following season or not."

India has a hugely successful record in Under-19 cricket. The country is known to produce some exciting young talents. India have won the Under-19 World Cup for a record five times, which is easily the most. They are followed by Australia who have clinched the title four times while Pakistan have won two titles so far.