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Former India National Cricket Team fast bowler Zaheer Khan could be the next selector-in-chief if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials refuse to extend the current chief selector Ajit Agarkar's contract. BCCI top officials are reportedly set to hold a meeting with Agarkar soon after the conclusion of the ongoing India vs Sri Lanka Test series.
While some reports claimed that the board could extend Ajit Agarkar's term as the head of the selectors, other reports have claimed that Agarkar's tenure in the position may be at risk.
New role for Zaheer Khan and VVS Laxman?
According to a Telegraph report, former India batter VVS Laxman, who is currently working as the head of the board's Centre of Excellence (CoE), has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Agarkar. But Laxman may not want to take over the job, as the chief selector needs to travel a lot throughout the year.
If Laxman refuses to accept the selector's position, then Zaheer Khan could be the replacement for Ajit Agarkar. If the current reports are to be believed, then Zaheer Khan is now the leading candidate to become the next selector-in-chief for the India National Cricket Team.
BCCI could award VVS Laxman with a brand new position
VVS Laxman can still receive a reward from the BCCI, as he has been doing his job as the head of CoE for a long period. For the former batter, the board officials are likely to offer him a brand new position: Director of Cricket.
The future of Zaheer Khan and Laxman now depends on Agarkar's future. If Agarkar stays in the position for another year, then the circumstances can be different, especially for Zaheer Khan, as he is currently positioned as the possible replacement for Ajit Agarkar.
Ajit Agarkar will complete three years as the selector-in-chief in the coming September. After that, he will be eligible again for another year of extension. Whether he remains in the position or not can be decided in the meeting, which will be arranged after the Test series between India and Sri Lanka.
Rohit Sharma's India career seems to be a major topic when Agarkar and the BCCI officials meet each other at the meeting. According to The Indian Express Report, there are different opinions on Rohit Sharma's future with the Indian cricket team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Differences between Ajit Agarkar and BCCI officials because of Rohit Sharma
As per the claims, Ajit Agarkar and Co. had made it clear that they want to look beyond the former skipper. But the top board officials are reportedly in favour of the veteran opener. Amid speculations around Sharma's future, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia mentioned, "Sharma will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things".
The comment made by Saikia is considered a clear difference between the board and the selectors. It is also mentioned in the report Agarkar-led panel was not happy with Saikia's remarks on Rohit Sharma's career.
