The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has authorized its top office bearers to take the final decision on the future of senior men’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The mandate was granted during the board’s 95th Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on Friday, September 18.
Ajit Agarkar was appointed chairman of the senior selection committee in July 2023. Questions over his continuation intensified after reported differences over Rohit Sharma’s white-ball future ahead of the Lord’s ODI against England, prompting the BCCI to review the selection committee’s structure.
BCCI Office Bearers Given Mandate to Decide Ajit Agarkar’s Future
The BCCI has given its office bearers the authority to decide on Ajit Agarkar’s future as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee. Notably, the AGM did not make an immediate call on Agarkar’s position.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed the development while speaking to the media after the meeting.
“The AGM has authorised the office-bearers to take a decision on the chief selector,” Shukla said.
Ajit Agarkar has overseen India’s squad selections across all three formats. Despite the uncertainty, Agarkar chaired the September 16 selection meeting that finalised India’s squads for the West Indies ODIs, the Irani Cup and India A assignments.
Ajit Agarkar Replacement Process Could Take Time
If the BCCI decides to replace Agarkar, it will have to follow the formal appointment process rather than name a successor immediately. The board is expected to advertise the chief selector’s position before conducting interviews and finalising the new appointment.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel is reportedly among the names being considered if the BCCI opts for a change. Patel has also worked in coaching and franchise cricket after retiring from international cricket.
The AGM also discussed the appointment of the new junior men’s selection committee. The BCCI advertised five selector positions on August 24, but interviews have not yet taken place. The process is now expected to continue until the end of September.
Ranchi to Host Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, JSCA Confirms
The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has also rejected reports that Ranchi could lose its hosting rights for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
JSCA secretary Saurabh Tiwary said the association has not written to the BCCI regarding any venue change. He also dismissed reports that early winter sunsets or visibility concerns could force the fourth Test to move elsewhere.
“There is no change in the venue. If anybody has to write to the BCCI about it, it should be me and I have not written it,” Tiwary told the media.
The five-match series is scheduled to begin in Nagpur on January 21, 2027. Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad will host the remaining four Tests in that order. Ranchi is still scheduled to stage the fourth match of the series.
The board also discussed its position on the National Sports Governance Act following the Supreme Court’s request for clarification. The BCCI has maintained that cricket does not fall under the category of a designated sport covered by the legislation.
