As the reports of Rajvardhan Hangargekar and his age cheating come up, it is safe to say that India needs to have a full-proof process to stop such things. Age cheating is a termite to world cricket and is absolutely unacceptable. Age group cricket is a place where aspirants can explore their full potential and to cheat at such a prestigious platform is a disgrace. However, there are many players who have previously been under the scanner for age cheating. Here is a look:
Manjot Kalra:
Manjot Kalra, the left-handed explosive batsman from Punjab was found age cheating in 2019. It was just after Manjot Kalra smashed a glorious century in the U-19 World Cup 2018 final against Australia. Manjot was handed a ban of one year from all forms of professional cricket by the Delhi and District Cricket Association. He was also bought by the Delhi Capitals but never joined the team’s camp.
Rasikh Salam/Dar has been banned due to Age Cheating:
Rasikh Salam, the Kashmiri bowler who became the youngest player to play in the IPL in 2019, representing the Mumbai Indians was also under the scanner for age cheating. He did not receive any specific short-term bans. His case was handled by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Based on the fact that he produced false birth certificates, the BCCI banned him straight for a period of two years. The Kolkata Knight Riders have bought Rasikh Dar in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction.
Nitish Rana has been accused of age cheating:
Nitish Rana, the established KKR batter was also accused of age-cheating in 2019 itself. The batter has played several forms of age-group cricket. Rana has been a member of the India U-23 team as well. The Delhi and District Cricket Association had taken this matter into their hands. But the further details suggest that Rana was given more time to prove his age via legal documents. But what is more astonishing is that fake documents were submitted in the first place!
Shivam Mavi:
Shivam Mavi, also an integral part of the U19 2018 World Cup-winning team, was caught age cheating. Mavi did not get a ban and has continued playing since then. He has been playing for Kolkata Knight Riders and the Uttar Pradesh domestic teams as well. Shivam’s case was handed over to the BCCI as per the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association.
To conclude, I would say that, whether, the boys are guilty or not of age cheating but this is a dirt spot on world cricket. This question of age fudging is more severe and dominant in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Hence, the reason Asian countries do exceptionally well in age-group cricket.
To know more check the official website of the BCCI.