© Getty Images (Representational Image)
MCA has suspended 16 player over age-forgery © Getty Images (Representational Image)

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday banned 16 players of various age groups from participating in matches and practice camps owing to them being over-aged. The players were reported to have fake birth certificate, which hardly match with their other documents such as school certificates or mark sheets. Around 26 players were reported to be suspected. However, following an analysis, only 10 players were deemed eligible to play. The remaining 16 had been summoned along with their parents by MCA, while their documents are to be accessed further. Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar, Jt. Hon. Secretary of MCA, has said that the banned players cannot take part in any MCA related tournaments as of now. MCA to hold AGM on May 12

“One player produced a document to prove that he is in Class VII. The same cricketer had earlier submitted a certificate to indicate he is in Class IX. Last year, we discovered some players were over-aged when we began selecting the Mumbai Under-19 team. Age-fudging is a major cause of decay in Mumbai cricket. It is not fair to other players who adopt fair means to pursue their cricketing careers. This is a serious issue and we need to find a permanent solution to stop this,” said Ramesh Vazge, member of MCA managing committee.

MCA of late has been adamant when it comes to laws regarding age, and has also said that the players found guilty for age fudging copula face a ban of up to two years.