Age Fraud Crackdown: BCCI Bans Rohit Yadav, 62 Bengal Cricketers Declared Ineligible

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a strict step against alleged age-related irregularities in domestic cricket, imposing a two-year ban on Bengal leg-spinner Rohit Yadav. The development comes at a particularly important stage of the youngster’s career, as he had recently earned a place in India’s Under-19 setup for the upcoming series against Australia.

At the same time, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has identified 62 players whose records reportedly contain age or documentation discrepancies. These players have been declared ineligible for registration or transfer in tournaments during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.

Rohit Yadav Faces Two-Year BCCI Ban

Rohit Yadav, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had emerged as a promising leg-spinner in Bengal cricket. He was part of India’s Under-19 tour of Sri Lanka in July and made an impact by claiming six wickets, including a significant contribution to the team's victory in the final Test.

His performances had also earned him selection for India's Under-19 matches against Australia. The squad was scheduled to play one-day and multi-day fixtures in Rajkot and Ahmedabad later this month.

However, scrutiny of his documents during the Sri Lanka tour reportedly raised questions about his actual age. Following an investigation into the records, the BCCI decided to impose a two-year suspension from domestic cricket. The decision has also been communicated to the state cricket associations affiliated with the board.

Multiple Birth Records Raise Questions

The investigation reportedly uncovered major inconsistencies in Rohit’s birth documentation. Three separate birth certificates were found carrying different years of birth — 2007, 2009 and 2010.

His Aadhaar-related records also reportedly contained conflicting information. When he was registered with the CAB, his birth year was listed as 2007. Subsequent Aadhaar updates reportedly showed 2006 before another change listed 2009.

Such inconsistencies are particularly serious in junior cricket because age eligibility determines whether a player can compete in Under-19 and other age-group tournaments.

The CAB had already kept Rohit away from its junior teams after concerns emerged over his documents. The association subsequently brought the matter to the BCCI’s attention, eventually leading to the national board's disciplinary action.

62 Players Under CAB's Scanner

The case involving Rohit is part of a much wider action by the Bengal cricket administration.

According to reports, CAB has declared 62 players ineligible for registration or transfers for tournaments during the next two domestic seasons because of discrepancies involving age and documentation.

The list reportedly contains players from different levels of Bengal cricket, including individuals who have already made their mark in the sport.

Among those named is Ravi Kumar, a member of India's victorious Under-19 World Cup team in 2022. CAB records reportedly indicate a 45-month difference relating to his age.

Left-arm spin all-rounder Vishal Bhatti, who has played three first-class matches and two List A games, is also reportedly included in the list.

The association's examination has apparently found several other cases where player records show substantial differences in age, with some discrepancies extending across multiple years.

Why Age Verification Matters in Junior Cricket

Age eligibility is especially important in youth cricket because players compete for a limited number of opportunities in age-group teams. A player who is older than the permitted category could potentially gain a physical or experience advantage over genuine-age competitors.

The issue is not restricted to cricket. Age manipulation has been a broader concern across Indian youth sports, particularly where selection, scholarships and professional opportunities are involved. Recent scrutiny has increased pressure on sporting bodies to strengthen identity and age verification procedures.

The BCCI has previously used medical and documentary verification mechanisms for age-group players. The latest action involving Bengal players indicates that associations are continuing to examine historical records more closely.

A Warning for Young Cricketers

The Rohit Yadav case could have consequences beyond the two-year suspension. Missing two seasons during the early stages of a cricket career can significantly affect a player's development, selection prospects and pathway toward senior-level cricket.

For the other 61 players on the CAB's list, the immediate impact is their reported ineligibility for registration or transfer during the specified seasons. The development also sends a strong message to players, parents and officials about the importance of maintaining consistent and legitimate age records.

With the BCCI taking action against Rohit and CAB scrutinising dozens of other players, age verification is once again emerging as a major issue in Indian domestic cricket. The crackdown underlines the board and state associations' focus on ensuring that age-group competitions remain fair and that selection opportunities are not influenced by inaccurate documentation.