PANJIM: Forging birth dates in certificates so as to make oneself eligible to play in age-group tournaments in India is nothing unusual. It is endemic in the country so much so that it has now
become an art, with the latest being the alleged case of two more Goan boys in cricket. Already, there is one case which is being investigated at the instance of Dr Shekar Salkar.
Prapti Sports and Cultural Club of Harmal, Pernem, has alleged that, “ some very senior office-bearers of the Managing Committee of Goa Cricket Association (GCA) have allegedly indulged in fabricating the age of Darshan Mishal who was born on 11/09/1992 (passport G 2830445) and Amogh Dessai who was born on 26/08/1992 (passport G 2829653). The manager allegedly directed them to reduce their ages by one year and accordingly new birth certificates (1993) were produced, thus making them eligible to play in U-19, U-15 BCCI tournamernts till last year.”
“Darshan, an outstanding talent, was selected for Indian U-19 team last year, but could not go on the tour as his passport showed his correct age as 11/09/1992, whereas their age as recorded in GCA/BCCI is 1993,” alleged Narayan L Redkar, president of Prapti SCC.
Prapti SCC, a GCA registered club having played in GCA C Division being runners-up in 2012, has asked the GCA to conduct an inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action within the next seven days, failing which it has threatened to expose other players who also have produced fake certificates.
The photocopies of the two passports have been produced with the passports being issued in Panjim in 2007.
When contacted, GCA secretary, Prasad Phaterpekar, said that he had not received any complaint from the club so far. “We will investigate certainly, but the complaining club is not a member of GCA.”
GCA president Balu Phadke promptly stated he would inquire into the matter which has been reportedly addressed to the secretary and added that the club is not be a permanent member.
