BCCI relaxes age fraud rule - Details here
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday came up with a decision to relax the punishment given to cricketers for age fraud. While the banned cricketers were not allowed to compete in any tournament recognized by the BCCI, the new policy has allowed them a breather. Here's more on the decision to relax the ban.
Inter-club matches
Cricketers can play inter-club matches during ban
According to the latest update on the official website of the BCCI, it has been reported that the banned cricketers are now eligible to play inter-club matches during the second year of their ban. After much deliberation, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) came up with the decision following a meeting in New Delhi on June 29.
Quote
"CoA approved the revision in the age fraud policy"
"After some discussion, the CoA approved the revision in the age fraud policy to the extent of state associations permitting participation in club matches/tournaments in the second year of the two-year ban," the minutes on the BCCI's website mentioned.
Rasikh breather
Rasikh Salam was recently banned for 2 years
Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Rasikh Salam was recently banned for two years by the BCCI following a case of age fraud. He had earlier played for Mumbai Indians (MI) in a match during IPL 2019. However, the new policy would now allow him to play the BCCI recognized inter-club cricket matches from 2020.
Author's take
Relaxation of age fraud policy a welcome news by BCCI
While age fraud is a serious crime in the field of sport, the ban itself is enough from depriving him of playing and competing in the premier tournaments. However, banning the player entirely would do him/her no good. Thus, the author firmly stands with the new policy, relaxing the player's ban and allowing him to compete in inter-club matches, keeping his/her dream alive.