The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has updated its rules to ensure fairness in its domestic cricket tournaments. From now on, only players who have a valid Indian passport can take part in these events, regardless of their age group. Previously, the BCCI allowed players who were not Indian citizens but had a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card to compete in its tournaments.
However, this rule has been criticized in recent years. Critics argue that allowing non-citizens to participate undermines the integrity of representing the national team. By making Indian passports a mandatory requirement, the BCCI aims to address these concerns and uphold the spirit of national representation in its tournaments.
“The Apex Council in its meeting held on December 18, 2023, has resolved to amend the eligibility criteria with respect to players holding a passport of a different country than India. As you may (be) aware, earlier, players who did not hold a passport of India and were therefore not citizens of India, were permitted to participate in BCCI tournaments upon production of PIO/OCI card,” said BCCI’s General Manager, Game Development Abey Kuruvilla as quoted by The Times of India.
The BCCI has lowered the age eligibility for U-15 girls’ tournaments by one year. This change, along with the new rule requiring all players to have a valid Indian passport, applies immediately to all BCCI-run events. Previously, non-citizens with PIO or OCI cards could participate in these tournaments, but the new rule now excludes them.
BCCI: Indian Passport Required for Tournament Eligibility
By implementing these changes, the BCCI aims to both ensure the integrity of national representation and create more opportunities for young Indian talent.
“However, the Apex Council has now resolved that players must hold an Indian passport to be eligible to participate in BCCI tournaments. Any player holding a passport from a different country shall not be eligible to participate in BCCI tournaments despite holding a PIO/ OCI card. You are therefore requested to note the above and inform all the concerned players regarding the same,” the General Manager added.
The age requirement for girls participating in the U-15 tournament has been adjusted, allowing those as young as 12 to compete, given they meet the age criteria based on the September 01 birthdate cut-off each season. Previously, girls had to be at least thirteen years old to participate in the U-15 event.
“Further, please note that in its meeting held on 18th December 2023, also resolved to amend the eligibility for U-15 Girls’ One-Day Tournament from the existing 13 years of age to 12 years of age. Accordingly, and subject to the results of bone testing, girls aged between 12–15 years as of 1st September of a season will be able to participate in this tournament. To illustrate, the cut-off date of birth for the 2024-25 season will be 1st September 2009-31st August 2012,” Kuruvilla concluded.
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