India’s U19 World Cup-winning player Rajvardhan Hangargekar has been accused of age fudging, days after he landed himself an IPL deal with Chennai Super Kings. Maharashtra’s Commissioner of Sports and Youth Department, Omprakash Bakoria has labelled the charges against the all-rounder.
As per a report in Saamana newspaper, Bakoria, an IAS officer, has written a formal letter to the BCCI which also includes evidence against Hangargekar. The report states that Hangergekar’s actual age is 21.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar, a student of Terna Public School, during readmission in class VIII, his birth date was changed from January 10, 2001, to November 10 2002 which made him eligible for the U19 World Cup.
In his letter to the BCCI, Omprakash Bakoria sent evidence in the form of Dharashiv Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rahul Gupta’s confirmation that Rajvardhan Hangargekar’s date of birth was changed. Meanwhile, if proven guilty, the youngster is likely to face harsh punishment from the BCCI. The young fast bowler from Kashmir Rasikh Salam received a 2-year ban from the BCCI after he was guilty of committing age-fudging.
CSK picked Rajvardhan Hangargekar for 1.5 crore in Auction
Hangargekar played a key role in India’s winning campaign. The all-rounder picked up five wickets in six matches and also played a valuable knock of unbeaten 39 against Ireland. He has already made his debut for Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, playing 5 List A games along with two T20Is.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar was recently roped in by Chennai Super Kings for an amount of INR 1.5 crore. He triggered some intense bidding war between Chennai and Mumbai Indians but eventually, the Super Kings prevailed over their rivals in signing the young prodigy.
