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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel was all but confirmed to become the next chairman of selectors after Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI decided to part ways earlier this month. Even before Agarkar’s formal resignation as the Indian chief selector, there was massive buzz about Parthiv Patel taking over the high-profile job, and even he was reportedly interested.
However, the Gujarat Titans coach did not submit his application for the role of the West Zone selection that could have made him the head of India’s selection committee before the deadline. This left many stunned as Patel was the frontrunner to replace Agarkar. Well, Wasim Jaffer in line to replace Ajit Agarkar as BCCI chief selector.
Why Parthiv Patel let go of chance to become India’s chief selector
Now, it has emerged that the BCCI’s offer to become India’s chief selector failed to lure Parthiv Patel to take this high-pressure job. As reported by The Telegraph India, ‘certain financial issues’ played a major part in the former Indian cricketer’s decision not to take the job.
The BCCI was reportedly offering an annual salary of Rs 3 crore, but taking the job could have cost Patel a significant amount of income from his coaching role with Gujarat Titans and his commentary assignments. If he had taken the job, the BCCI’s rules would not have allowed him to continue as Gujarat Titans’ assistant and batting coach and his commentary assignments.
₹3 Crore BCCI offer vs ₹9 Crore earnings
Parthiv Patel reportedly earns around ₹7 crore to ₹9 crore per year from his coaching role with Gujarat Titans and his commentary work combined. So, the former RCB star would have lost a massive chunk of money if he had taken the BCCI’s offer, and that’s how he let slip the opportunity to become the chairman of the Indian selectors.
Presently, South Zone selector Pragyan Ojha is leading the selection panel. A new selector from the West Zone is also expected to join, while former cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Romesh Powar are reportedly among the leading candidates. Amid this, BCCI grills selector candidates on Rohit Sharma’s future and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s situation.
Ravichandran Ashwin questions BCCI selector salary after Parthiv Patel decides against applying
Meanwhile, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the salary offered to BCCI selectors after Parthiv Patel decided against applying for the chief selector’s job. He believes the current pay is not attractive enough to bring top former cricketers into such an important role.
The former all-rounder feels the BCCI must offer better financial benefits if the board wants experienced names to take charge of India’s selection process. Ashwin feels the chief selector should receive remuneration comparable to that of the Indian men’s head coach.
Ashwin wants BCCI to attract top names with lucrative deals
The former spinner also pointed out that the selector’s job comes with major restrictions. Selectors may not be able to continue media work or take up coaching assignments because of the conflicts of interest. At the same time, they must follow domestic cricket, watch IPL matches, and remain involved in the game throughout the year.
Ashwin believes that better pay could attract former greats such as Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble to selection roles. He also questioned whether the BCCI genuinely wants people of that level of experience and reputation in its selection panel.
He said on his YouTube channel, “You will get selectors of the pedigree of, you know, maybe Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble. If you want selectors of that pedigree, then the opportunity to make a lucrative deal is necessary.”
