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Indian Under-19 Cricketer Rohit Yadav Banned for 2 Years Over Age Fraud; 64 Others, Including Ravi Kumar, Also Penalized
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has taken significant action regarding age fraud in Indian domestic cricket. Rohit Yadav, a leg-spinner for the Indian Under-19 team, has been banned for two years following the discovery of discrepancies in his date of birth. Additionally, 64 other players—including fast bowler Ravi Kumar, a member of the 2022 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad—have faced disciplinary action.
Rohit Yadav Dropped from Australia Tour
Rohit Yadav was recently part of the Indian Under-19 team that toured Sri Lanka in July. He had also been selected for the upcoming series against Australia Under-19—comprising five One-Day matches and two multi-day games—but was removed from the squad immediately after the ban was imposed.
- During the CAB's pre-season document verification process, it was revealed that there was a discrepancy of approximately 27 months (over two years) in Rohit's recorded age.
- The ban has come into effect immediately, and all state associations affiliated with the BCCI have been notified.
Action Taken Against Under-19 World Cup Star Ravi Kumar
The investigation also uncovered an age discrepancy of more than 40 months (over three years) in the case of left-arm fast bowler Ravi Kumar, who played a pivotal role in India's 2022 Under-19 World Cup victory.
- Ravi Kumar made his debut for the Bengal senior team in 2022 and last played in 2023.
- According to the CAB, all age-group records spanning from his debut through the 2025-26 season will be declared invalid.
A total of 65 players face the axe; BCCI enforces strict rules
Discrepancies were found in the documents of 65 players during this scrutiny drive by the CAB, and they have been barred from playing. The BCCI conducts rigorous checks of birth certificates and school/college records to curb age fraud at the Under-19 level. In 2020, the board had also introduced a voluntary disclosure (amnesty) scheme to allow players to declare their correct age, but strict sanctions are now being imposed on those who violated the rules.
