Table of Contents
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin is rumored to be the next chairman of the India National Cricket Team, replacing the current chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Ajit Agarkar is serving as the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) head selector, whose contract with the board is nearing the end.
It is widely speculated that Ravichandran Ashwin could be Agarkar’s successor. Despite the rumours, as of now, it will not be possible to see Ashwin as the chairman of the selectors’ panel.
Why Ravichandran Ashwin cannot become India's chief selector right now: BCCI rules explained
To become the chief selector of the cricket board, every candidate is required to fulfil some criteria set by the board. Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, during India’s tour of Australia.
He will be eligible to apply for the role five years after he retires from the India National Cricket Team. Ashwin retired from international cricket in 2024, so after five years, he will be officially eligible to apply for the role.
Under the current circumstances, no matter how strong the rumors seem, the BCCI rules will not permit the former spinner to apply for the role at present.
When could Ashwin realistically become eligible?
To find out the exact date by which Ravichandran Ashwin will be eligible to become the chief selector of the national cricket team, it is first needful to understand BCCI’s rules. According to the rules, the applicant must have retired from all formats of the game at least 5 years before the application. So, in a full circle, which will mark the completion of five years, are needily to qualify for the role.
As Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, December 2029 will end the five-year period, and he will be effectively eligible for the post from September 2030.
What is Ajit Agarkar's current position, and how has his tenure been?
Since July 2023, Ajit Agarkar has been serving the BCCI as the chairman of the selectors’ panel. His contract was extended after India’s 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. Throughout his tenure, the former fast bowler has made his name as a selector who often takes bold decisions during the team’s transition phases across the formats.
Agarkar had to face a series of controversial phases because of the retirements of multiple senior cricketers, including Ravichandran Ashwin himself. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were among those star cricketers who announced their retirements from T20I and Tests. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane also announced their retirements during Agarkar’s tenure as the chief selector.
Although the success Team India achieved during the same time also cannot be denied. Winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 Asia Cup, and 2026 T20 World Cup are among the highlights the team has achieved so far with Ajit Agarkar as the chief selector.
India is currently preparing for another World Cup, which is the 2027 ODI World Cup. If the team performs well again, then it will craft Agarkar's CV in a gradual way.
