Even though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is spending crores of rupees through State associations to find out and select good players, but unfortunately, this money is not being utilised properly due to corrupt practices by some unscrupulous persons who are allegedly running a racket.
The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) is also selecting players for the State and paying crores of rupees of the BCCI to the players and also issuing State certificates to the players on the basis of which the players are getting jobs in State and Central Governments and Government undertakings like the Nalco, the AG and the Indian Railways.
In 2016, 40 players have registered their name in each group i.e. under -19 and under 23 age group crickets in OCA and BCCI. But unfortunately, some players have submitted forged birth certificates in U -19 and U -23 age group to play for Odisha, get match money and State certificate for service purpose, alleged the All India Anti- Corruption Bureau in a letter to the Director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Sports Integrity Unit, the BCCI president and the OCA secretary. However, despite informing the BCCI and OCA time and again no action is being taken.
For example, one Somen Chand has been selected to play U-19 cricket for Odisha. The date of birth of Somen Chand is 24.7. 1997, which has been registered in the office of Cuttack Municipal Corporation vide registration no 7211 , 14.8 1997). But the BCCI guideline clearly states that a player born after 1.9. 1997 is eligible to play U-19 cricket in 2016.
However, OCA Selection Committee chairman Ashirbad Behera, other selectors and coach without considering and inquiring into the date of birth of Chand allowed him to be in the State team. Similarly, in 2011, Sanjay Das played his last U-16 age group tournament. In 2012, Das was selected to play for U-19 team. In 2016 after five years of U-16 match he is still playing U-19 cricket. Preet Singh Chouhan has played his last U-16 match in 2012. In 2016 (after four years) he is still playing U-19 cricket. Similarly, Umesh Yadav, Raghunath Malla, Satyajit Sabat and Ayuskan Sahu had played for Odisha U-16 team in 2013. After three years, they are still playing U- 19 cricket.
The birth certificates of the players should be verified from the authorities and officers who have issued the same and genuineness of the certificates should be verified, demanded convenor of the All India Anti- Corruption Bureau Subrat Nanda.
On the basis of birth certificate, players are preparing Aadhar Card, Pan Card and educational certificates, besides to provide age proof to play. Any tampering in the document is a criminal offence. During inquiry if the authorities find any forgery committed by the players and their parents, then immediately FIRs should be lodged for filing false affidavits. If without inquiry, State certificates and match money are released to the players in U-19 and U- 23cricket, the officials of BCCI and OCA should be held responsible and the amount should be realised from them, demanded Nanda.