In a major decision, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a decision to alter the calculation method for age of junior cricket players. The reason is to ensure that no player loses a season due to a minor calculation mistake under the current bone age testing method. What Was the Old Rule? Currently, when a player shows up for age verification, the BCCI applies the TW3 technique, a medical examination that determines bone age. Once they obtain the bone age, the board adds +1 year to it in order to determine if the player should be allowed to play the following season in the same age group. But this "+1 rule" is a source of difficulty at times. Even if a player's true bone development does permit him or her to play, the extra year places them out of eligibility by a narrow margin. This is the reason why many players lose a season despite being not over-aged in the real sense. Also Read | Fans React to Green Pitch Ahead of IND vs ENG Headingley Test What Will Change Now? In the new rule, the BCCI will perform the second bone test the next season to know the true bone age of the player. It will be done only if the player was excluded in the last season based on the +1 rule. A BCCI official informed PTI: "This is done to have a precise age and ensure no player loses out due to arithmetic calculations rather than scientific ones." Age Cut-Off for U-16 Boys and U-15 Girls For U-16 boys, bone age should be 16.5 years For U-15 girls, bone age should be 15 years So, for playing in the tournament: Boys need to have a bone age of 16.4 years or below, while Girls need a bone age of 14.9 years or below Also Read | Sanju Samson to CSK? Agent’s Action Fuels Transfer Buzz Let's get it clear with an example: For Boys If a U-16 boy is tested during the 2025–26 season and his bone age is 15.4 years, he won't be required to take another test next year. His age will be considered as 16.4 due to the +1 rule, so he can play in 2026–27. But, if his bone age is 15.5 or above, the rule will also qualify him instantly as 16.5 or higher the following season. That disqualifies him, even if his body has not increased that quickly. The second bone test will now be permitted in such situations to confirm his true bone age. For Girls If she scores at 13.9 years this year, she'll qualify next year also because her calculated age turns out to be 14.9. However, if she scores 14 or more, she can play this year, but not the following year, since her calculated age turns out to be 15 or higher. Why is This Rule Important? This modification by the BCCI ensures that players aren't denied a chance to play unfairly simply on the basis of arithmetic. It affords them an equal opportunity based on actual bone development and not on assumptions. The second test will assist in making decisions scientifically, something which is crucial in age-group cricket where each passing year is crucial for a young cricketer.