Meghalaya Announces U-15 Girls, U-16 Boys Squads for BCCI 2025–26 Season

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the names of players shortlisted for its U-15 girls’ and U-16 boys’ teams for the upcoming BCCI 2025-26 domestic season. This marks an important step in preparing promising young cricketers from the state for competitive national-level exposure and ensuring a structured pathway for talent development. The shortlisted players now face the next phase, the Age Verification Process (AVP), which is a mandatory step for all candidates to ensure compliance with BCCI age regulations. This process will include a TW3 bone test, which is a standard method used to verify the chronological age of athletes in age-group cricket. The exact dates and procedural details of the AVP will be communicated to the players at a later stage by the MCA.

BCCI directives stipulate that all shortlisted players must present a set of essential documents during the AVP. These include a birth certificate, preferably a digital birth certificate if available, as an official record of the player’s date of birth. Additionally, each player must submit their original Aadhaar card issued by the Government of India, updated with a recent photograph, to serve as a valid identification document. Players must also provide school marksheets for the last three years, reflecting their academic records and continuity in education. Furthermore, a school bonafide certificate is required for each school attended over the last three years, particularly if the player has changed schools. This certificate must contain the player’s name, date of birth, and current academic year and should be signed and sealed by the relevant school authorities to confirm authenticity. The BCCI emphasizes that these documents are mandatory, and any player unable to provide the required paperwork will not be allowed to participate in the AVP.

The MCA has urged both the players and their respective district associations to ensure that all documents are arranged in proper order before attending the AVP. To maintain integrity and authenticity, only original documents will be accepted on the day of the TW3 bone test. Photocopies, printouts, or acknowledgement slips of Aadhaar cards or other documents will not be considered valid. The emphasis on originals ensures that the age verification process is transparent and prevents any discrepancies or misuse.

For any additional information or clarification regarding the process, players can contact the MCA’s Manager of Cricket Operations, Shining Star Lyngdoh, via the provided mobile number, 9485098921. This contact ensures a direct line of communication for players and guardians, allowing them to seek guidance and ensure compliance with the procedural requirements.

The MCA also published the full lists of shortlisted players. For the U-15 girls’ category, the 35 selected players include Janvi Kumari Sah, Enibisa R Marak, Lawanjingkyrmen Lyngkhoi, Charkicha Momin, Laviola L Mawlong, Aviana Myrthong, and others, highlighting a diverse pool of emerging talent across the state. Similarly, the U-16 boys’ list features 35 players, including Suraj Chettri, Keshab Shah, Panlyson Bareh, Anmol Shah, Phrangborlang Syiemlieh, and others. These selections represent the best-performing youth cricketers in Meghalaya, reflecting the results of state-level trials and performance assessments.

This initiative demonstrates MCA’s commitment to fostering cricket at the grassroots level and ensuring that talented young players have the opportunity to participate in age-group competitions under BCCI governance. The structured verification process and careful selection highlight the association’s focus on fairness, transparency, and talent nurturing. By adhering to BCCI guidelines, the MCA ensures that Meghalaya’s representatives in the U-15 and U-16 categories are both eligible and prepared for competitive cricket at the national level. The meticulous planning and communication of document requirements, combined with the clear instructions regarding the AVP, help streamline the process and maintain the integrity of player selection.

The announcement also underscores the importance of early talent identification and the creation of pathways for youth development in cricket. By facilitating exposure to national-level competitions and adhering to strict verification processes, MCA is enabling young athletes to compete in a structured and fair environment, preparing them for potential future roles in state, zonal, and national teams. These steps reflect the association’s dedication to nurturing cricket talent responsibly while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by the BCCI, thereby strengthening Meghalaya’s presence in Indian domestic cricket.

Overall, the MCA’s release of the shortlisted players, detailed guidelines for the AVP, and emphasis on document authenticity collectively aim to uphold transparency, promote fairness, and provide young cricketers in Meghalaya with a clear pathway to advance in age-group cricket, ensuring that the state continues to produce skilled and eligible players for future competitions.