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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a fresh challenge in its search for a new national selector from the West Zone. The position has been vacant since Ajit Agarkar’s resignation. Even two big names refused to take BCCI’s offer for the job.
The BCCI recently invited applications for the role of the Indian selector from the West Zone, with the deadline ending on Wednesday, October 14. However, the fresh development has raised questions about who will finally take up this important responsibility.
Two former Indian stars turn down West Zone selector’s job
As reported by The Times of India, the BCCI board approached two former cricketers, both of whom have played nearly 100 Test matches for India for the West Zone selector job, but neither agreed to join the selection committee. They have categorically declined the offer.
The BCCI is looking to bring experienced and well-known names into important positions and is even ready to increase the salary package to attract top candidates. Amid this, a surprising twist in India’s chief selector race as Parthiv Patel yet to apply.
BCCI ready to increase salary for selectors
Currently, Pragyan Ojha, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and SS Das are part of the Indian selection committee. The board is now searching for a fifth member to fill the vacant West Zone position after the former chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, didn’t seek an extension to his role.
The report stated that when RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha joined the selection committee in September last year, they negotiated their salaries. This led to an increase of Rs 3 crore in the BCCI's annual budget for selection committees, taking it to Rs 17.45 crore.
The board has now reportedly increased the budget further for the 2026-27 financial year by nearly Rs 2 crore. As a result, its annual expenses on selection committees have now reached Rs 19.35 crore. This suggests that BCCI is willing to spend more to bring experienced candidates into the selection committee.
Who can apply for the BCCI selector’s job?
The BCCI has already chalked down clear eligibility rules for candidates who want to become national selectors. Applicants must have played at least seven Test matches or 30 first-class matches.
Another eligible criterion is the player must have played at least 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches. Amid this, Sanju Samson explains why India aren’t missing Jasprit Bumrah against West Indies.
Candidates must also have retired from cricket at least five years before applying for the position. In addition, anyone who has served on a cricket committee that comes under the BCCI's rules and regulations for a total of five years will not be eligible.
What are the responsibilities of an India selector?
The role of a national selector involves much more than choosing the playing XI. The selected candidate will be expected to watch domestic and international matches, identify talented players, and assess their performances before making selection decisions.
The selector will also attend team meetings and travel to matches whenever required. Another major responsibility will be to submit quarterly performance evaluation reports to the BCCI Apex Council and address the media on team selection matters.
The selection committee will also have the important responsibility of appointing captains for the Indian team across all formats.
