BCCI announces TW3 method to verify age: Brig Anil Gupta

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 26: Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) intimated that BCCI has mandated that the players and his legal guardian desirous of participating in the U-16 Tournaments must agree to be bound by the TW3 method to verify the age.
TW3 method of assessment of skeletal maturity (Tanner, Healy et al), an internationally recognized testing method of Bone Age and it will be the sole determining factor for eligibility to participate in BCCI Under-16 (TW3) Tournaments. No other process or methodology shall be acceptable or be applicable.
In this eligibility’ process, x-ray image of players’ left wrist and hand bones would be examined by the BCCI appointed AVP radiology consultants who would assess the skeletal maturity and assign a rating that goes up to 16.5. Only players rated below 16.5 according to the parameters of the TW3 rating system shall be eligible to participate.
To begin with chronological age of players will be determined for which players will have to submit scanned original Birth Certificate (Digitized), Photo ID proof (either Passport or Aadhar Card only original will be acceptable) and School Mark sheets from the previous three years and only those players who are born on or after 1st September, 2005 to before 1st September, 2007 shall be entitled to undergo the selection process specified in this protocol.
Brig Anil Gupta Member Administration, JKCA, clarified that for the purpose of assessing eligibility to participate in the BCCI U-16 Tournament only TW3 methodology and not the chronological age shall be the determining factor. Ile also stated that BCCI has prepared an information guide for players and parents to acquaint them that age verification process protocol (TW3 Methodology), copy of which can be obtained by desirous players and parents from JKCA Office at Jammu and Srinagar. The detailed process to be followed for the said protocol will be explained to the parents and players of those who are finally shortlisted by the Selectors before putting them through the process.
The BCCI reserves the right to request additional documentation including fresh X-ray reports as may be necessary Further BCCI may, at its sole discretion seek additional information and clarifications from the parents of the concerned player, as may be necessary.
Brig Gupta informed that any player submitting fraudulent date of birth proof documents will be disqualified and debarred from participating in any BCCI Tournaments for two years from the date of such disqualification. After completion of their 2 years ban period, they will not be allowed to participate in any BCCI age group tournaments. The penalty is severe and hence parents are advised to ensure that only genuine date of Birth proof documents are submitted, advised Brig Gupta.