Tue Nov 12 10:27:35 UTC 2024: ## Mansa Cricket Association Faces Dissolution After Age Fraud Scandal

**Mansa, Punjab:** The Deputy Commissioner of Mansa has recommended the dissolution of the District Cricket Association (DCA) following a two-year investigation that uncovered widespread age fraud among junior players. The inquiry, sparked by a complaint filed by advocate Aman Kumar in December 2022, found that officials allowed overage players to participate in junior teams by manipulating their Aadhaar card information.

The report, finalized on November 4th, concluded that the allegations were “proved to be true,” highlighting the detrimental impact on deserving younger players who were forced to compete with older, often fraudulent, players.

The investigation revealed instances where players significantly reduced their age on Aadhaar cards, allowing them to dominate junior teams. One player, whose school certificate listed his birth date as 9-06-2002, was found to have manipulated his Aadhaar card to reflect 24-11-2004, making him appear two years younger. Another player even claimed a six-year age reduction, altering his birth date from 08-12-1999 to 18-12-2005.

The report also highlighted the potential for further scandal, as some players reportedly had dual age registrations with both the Mansa DCA and the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).

While Mansa DCA President Dilraj Singh Bhundar claimed that the association cannot be held responsible for fraudulent claims made by players, the Deputy Commissioner’s recommendation for dissolution has triggered calls for accountability.

Advocate Kumar, who initially filed the complaint, expressed hope that the report would expedite the police investigation and hold those responsible for the age fraud accountable. A police FIR has already been registered in March 2023, but a chargesheet is yet to be filed.

This scandal raises serious concerns regarding the integrity and fairness of junior cricket tournaments in the region. The PCA has also initiated its own inquiry into the matter, and it remains to be seen whether the Mansa DCA will be dissolved and a new body established as recommended by the Deputy Commissioner.

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