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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced major revisions to the eligibility rules for Under-19 cricketers for the upcoming season, aiming to broaden the talent pool.
In a recent communication to state associations, the BCCI announced that players who do not pass the Tanner Whitehouse 3 test will now be eligible to participate in Under-19 competitions for up to three years, an extension from the previous two-year allowance.
What is the Tanner Whitehouse 3 test, and what are the details of the revised 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 pertains to the birth registration of cricketers. Previously, the BCCI allowed a registration period of up to two years from the date of birth as recorded on a player’s birth certificate. Typically, births are now registered within six months.
The Tanner Whitehouse 3 (TW3) method, also known as the TW3 test, is a skeletal maturity or bone test used to estimate a player’s biological age. This test is conducted at the Under-16 level.
Additional rule changes by the 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.”
Another rule revised by the board pertains to direct entry into the Under-19 category. Players whose birth certificates are registered within two years of birth are now permitted to compete in the category for up to three years. Previously, these players were restricted to just two years.
Certain rules for Under-19 cricket remain unchanged.
However, some regulations remain the same. If a cricketer’s birth certificate is registered two years after their birth, they are permitted only one year of direct participation in the Under-19 category.
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 an impressive track record in Under-19 cricket, consistently producing exciting young talents. The country has won the Under-19 World Cup a record five times, the highest number of wins by any nation. Australia follows with four titles, while Pakistan has secured the championship twice.
