30 Odisha cricketers under CBI scanner for age fudging

Nearly 30 cricketers in Odisha have become a subject of Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) probing for allegedly forging their dates of birth to play Under-19 cricket matches organised by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) in April. Some OCA officials are also under the radar for their role in the scam.

“According to our procedure, we have registered a preliminary inquiry (PE) report to verify the suspected charges against the 30 players and some OCA officials. Once we get prima facie evidence against them, we will convert the PE into a formal FIR and register a case,” a CBI officer told the Times of India.

The CBI’s sports integrity unit, a specialised wing, started the inquiry after obtaining permission from a Delhi court.The CBI sources said the 30 players, who were suspected to be overaged, allegedly furnished fake voter ID and PAN cards to lower their age. It is also suspected that the players manipulated Tanner-Whitehouse 3 (TW3) test report, which is usually conducted on players by doctors to know their age.

The sources said the 30 players belong to Cuttack-A and Cuttack-B teams that played the U19 matches in April. Role of the OCA came under scanner as the 30 players were pooled from a Cuttack-based cricket club, reportedly managed by an OCA functionary’s relative. Asirbad Behera, the OCA secretary, also confirmed about the CBI inquiry.

Also, read – When a girl shocked Rahul Dravid by refusing to leave his home

“A few days ago, the CBI sought documents, relating to the players from us. We are cooperating with the CBI in its investigation,” Asirbad said. He, however, denied involvement of any OCA official in the suspected racket.