Cricket Association of Bengal Implements Strict Age Verification Measures
CAB Takes Action Against Age Fraud
Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), has defended the association's age-verification process, emphasizing its transparency and commitment to annual scrutiny of players. This comes in light of recent disciplinary actions against Rohit Yadav and several other cricketers due to age discrepancies.
Rohit, who played for India Under-19 during the Sri Lanka tour in July, received a two-year suspension after the CAB identified a 27-month inconsistency in his age records. Consequently, he has been withdrawn from India's upcoming Under-19 series against Australia.
Additionally, the CAB has suspended 64 other players for similar reasons, including Ravi Kumar, a former pacer from the India Under-19 World Cup-winning team, whose age records were deemed invalid due to a discrepancy exceeding 40 months.
During a press conference at Eden Gardens, Ganguly stated that the CAB has enhanced its verification processes, which will be conducted annually. "This is the first instance where the BCCI has implemented the Aadhaar update system. A seminar on age verification was held on the 27th of last month," he noted.
"All state agency representatives participate. Age issues are prevalent across all sports, including football and cricket. The CAB has established clear rules for age verification. Rohit Yadav has been excluded from the national team, and we have not included him or Ravi Kumar in the probable squad. Many players who have surpassed the age limit have also been dropped. Verification will occur every year, and the CAB has a dedicated 10-member verification team. Those found guilty will be barred from playing," he added.
When asked about potential actions against networks involved in providing fraudulent documents, Ganguly clarified that the CAB's role is limited to verification and exclusion. "The CAB cannot intervene further. We can only verify and exclude. I am unsure of the origins of these documents, whether they are fake certificates from hospitals or boroughs. The CAB cannot investigate that deeply," he explained.
"However, if submitted, it will be captured in the Aadhaar update system. No one will escape scrutiny. The CAB employs 10 individuals specifically for this task, and they are thoroughly checking all records," he concluded.
Ganguly Responds to World Cup Ticket Distribution Issues
Ganguly also addressed the controversy regarding the distribution of complimentary tickets for the World Cup, asserting that the CAB adhered to the guidelines set by the BCCI and ICC. "We want to clarify that ticket distribution for the World Cup is determined by the BCCI and communicated to state associations. According to the stadium agreement, no special allotment or preferential access is allowed for life members, honorary members, or any other category," he stated.
"Tickets must be purchased through the official channels on a first-come, first-served basis. BookMyShow is not affiliated with the CAB; it is a central ticketing agency appointed by the BCCI to manage ticketing across associations under the directives of the BCCI and ICC. The entire process is governed by the parent bodies, and associations are required to comply with their instructions," he added.
Ganguly mentioned that while the CAB has a long-standing practice of distributing complimentary tickets for regular matches, this does not apply to World Cup matches due to specific BCCI and ICC regulations. "What transpired was in accordance with the rules. Complimentary tickets have been distributed by the CAB for the past 30 years. Even during the Test match against South Africa this year, the CAB followed its traditional policy of providing tickets to its honorary associates and life members, along with the necessary complimentary tickets for various agencies," he explained.
"However, for the World Cup, such practices do not exist because of strict guidelines from the BCCI and ICC. We distribute tickets transparently. Various controversies are being stirred up regarding the CAB with upcoming elections. We are aware of the motives behind these actions," Ganguly remarked.
When questioned if the ticketing controversy could damage his reputation, Ganguly dismissed the notion. "No one can tarnish my image. My reputation does not rely on the CAB," he asserted.
Eden Gardens to Host Durga Puja Events
Regarding the availability of Eden Gardens for Durga Puja events, Ganguly announced that the CAB would hand over the stadium to the relevant departments on September 25. The Bengal-Delhi Ranji Trophy match scheduled for October 11 will be relocated to another venue.
Earlier, the West Bengal government's Youth Services & Sports Department had requested confirmation of Eden Gardens' availability for cultural and celebratory events planned between September 25 and October 15, including preparation and dismantling activities.
This request followed an announcement by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari that the state's Durga Puja celebrations would officially commence with a grand event at Eden Gardens on Mahalaya.
Due to the proposed booking period overlapping with the start of Bengal's domestic season, the scheduled Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match between Bengal and Delhi will now take place at a different location.
Eden Gardens was a key venue during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, hosting five matches, including the semi-final between Australia and South Africa. The Kolkata venue is also set to host seven matches during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, including a Super Eight fixture and a semi-final.