The BCCI restricted participation in its domestic tournaments to Indian passport holders and lowered the minimum age for girls to compete in the U-15 tournament.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented stricter player eligibility rules for its domestic tournaments. Effective immediately, only participants holding valid Indian passports can compete in BCCI-organized events across all age groups.
Previously, the BCCI allowed players with Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards to participate despite not holding Indian citizenship. This policy faced criticism for potentially hindering the development of homegrown talent.
“The BCCI has amended its eligibility criteria. Going forward, only players with Indian passports can participate in our tournaments, regardless of PIO/OCI card status,” said BCCI’s General Manager, Game Development Abey Kuruvilla, according to The Times of India.
This change aims to strengthen the integrity of domestic cricket and ensure participants represent India. However, the apex council has also introduced a measure to expand opportunities for young female cricketers. Girls as young as 12 years old can now compete in the U-15 tournament, provided they meet the age cut-off of September 1st each season. This lowers the minimum age limit from the previous rule of 13.
“We’ve also revised the eligibility for the U-15 Girls’ One-Day Tournament. Girls aged 12 to 15, as of September 1st of a particular season, can now participate, subject to bone tests. For instance, the date of birth for the 2024-25 season would range from September 1st, 2009, to August 31st, 2012,” Kuruvilla concluded.
Last Updated on May 24, 2024