India U-19 star Rajvardhan Hangargekar accused of age fraud as Maharashtra Sports Commissioner seeks action

The Commissioner of Sports & Youth Services, Maharashtra State, has written to the BCCI secretary Jay Shah to take strict action against Rajvardhan Hangargekar for fabricating his birth date.

Maharashtra State Sports Commissioner Omprakash Bakoria has written to the BCCI seeking strict action against India U-19 World Cup-winning member Rajvardhan Hangargekar for age fraud.

In a letter dated February 8, Bakoria wrote to BCCI secretary Jay Shah that the pacer had altered his birth date from January 10, 2001, to November 10, 2002, and was thus over-age when he competed in the recently-concluded U-19 World Cup.

"The conduct of Mr Rajvardhan Hangangekar is against the integrity and ethics of the sport. It deprives fair play and results in damage to the reputation of the nation. Therefore, you are requested to take strict action in accordance with the law," Bakoria wrote.

The letter has also been marked to secretary of Maharashtra Cricket Association Riyaz Bagban.

Bakoria further wrote, "As per the inquiry and the report, it reveals that Mr Rajvardhan Hangargekar has started his academic career from Terna Public School, Osmanabad. It is governed by the school code prescribed by the Government of Maharashtra."

"At the time of admission of Rajvardhan Hangargekar in 1st standard at Terna Public School (primary division) Osmanabad, the date of birth is provided as 10/01/2001. The school record speaks that the birth date of Mr Rajvardhan Hangagekar up to seventh standard is recorded as 10/01/2001."

The commissioner alleged that the school made 'unauthorised corrections' to Hangargekar's birth date.