Ajit Agarkar to be sacked as chief selector? BCCI makes big decision amid IPL 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to extend Ajit Agarkar’s contract by one year, keeping him as chief selector until June 2027. According to a report by Indian Express, the board wants stability in leadership and selection strategy ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Agarkar took charge in mid-2023 after Chetan Sharma’s exit during controversy. The former pacer rebuilt trust in a selection system under constant scrutiny. India reached four ICC finals - 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, and the 2025 Champions Trophy - winning three titles and losing one.

Ajit Agarkar managed a complex transition after several senior players stepped away from international cricket. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup win. The duo also retired from Test cricket before the England tour following a prolonged lean run in red-ball formats.

A Board of Control for Cricket in India official expressed satisfaction with this approach during the transition. The official said the board will inform Agarkar about his extension during the ongoing Indian Premier League.

“Under Agarkar’s tenure, the team had a seamless transition and was fearless in taking bold decisions. The board felt he should continue. The BCCI officer bearers will be speaking to him on the sidelines of IPL games to update him," a BCCI official was quoted as saying to The Indian Express.

Ajit Agarkar Era Sees India’s White-Ball Dominance Amid Test Challenges

Under Ajit Agarkar, India ended their ICC title drought by winning the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. They also reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final at home. India have won each of the last three white-ball ICC events, along with the 2025 T20 Asia Cup.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin stepped away from Tests and T20Is. Agarkar appointed Shubman Gill as Test and ODI captain, and Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain.

However, results have been mixed in Test cricket, including a home loss to South Africa and a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand. The ODI World Cup is scheduled for October-November next year in South Africa.

Ajit Agarkar Selection Committee’s Bold Calls Ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

The selection committee made several bold decisions and followed a flexible, results-driven approach. Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, they dropped vice-captain Shubman Gill and recalled Ishan Kishan. The wicketkeeper earned his place with strong domestic performances and has full backing from the panel.

Ajit Agarkar also made major leadership changes across formats. He appointed Shubman Gill as the Test and ODI captain. In T20s, he backed Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya, citing Pandya’s fitness concerns.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami’s absence since the 2025 Champions Trophy win has raised questions. Despite fitness concerns, he performed well in domestic cricket and is in good form in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

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