BCCI is yet to accept Ajit Agarkar’s future as chief selector

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed its officials to take a call on the future of the senior men’s selection panel headed by Ajit Agarkar, vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed after the board’s 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai on Friday.

The BCCI members’ units have tasked the office-bearer with deciding whether Agarkar should be granted an extension or whether the board should begin the process of finding his replacement. The chairman of selectors’ contract is set to expire early next month, making his future the center of debate within the Indian cricket board.

Agarkar’s position has come under scrutiny in recent weekswhose current extension expires in September. The board is also considering another one-year extension, but a final decision has yet to be made.

“Arun Singh Dhumal, Majumdar retain IPL board posts; AGM mandates office bearers to take decision on selectors,” Shukla said after attending a meeting at BCCI headquarters, leaving the decision on Agarkar’s future open.

Agarkar was appointed as the chairman of the men’s senior selection committee in July 2023. His tenure is due to end next month and the BCCI will now have to decide whether to extend his contract or start the process of appointing a new chairman.

If the board decides against the extension, it will not be able to immediately appoint a replacement. The BCCI will first have to advertise the position, conduct interviews and then appoint a new chairman, which means the process could take some time.

The decision on Agarkar comes at a significant time for Indian cricket, with the main selection committee playing a key role in shaping the squad for the upcoming assignments and major tournaments.

The BCCI is also looking to fill all five positions in the junior selection committee. By authorization of the general meeting, the office bearers are authorized to take decisions on matters related to selection committees.

The 95th General Assembly was attended by representatives of the affiliated state member associations of the BCCI. Among those present were former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly representing the Cricket Association of Bengal and former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad from the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

BCCI President Mithun Manhas, Vice President Rajeev Shukla, Secretary Devajit Saikia, Cricket Association of Bengal President Sourav Ganguly and Jharkhand State Cricket Association Secretary Saurabh Tiwary were also among the officials who attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association has asked the BCCI to consider the city while allocating some more prominent matches.

However, the immediate focus will remain on the selection committee, with BCCI officials now empowered to decide whether Agarkar will remain as chairman or make way for a new incumbent.

HOW INDIA GOT BEHIND AGARKAR

Ajit Agarkar took over as the chairman of India’s senior men’s selection committee in July 2023, replacing Chetan Sharma.

His tenure coincided with a period that saw significant success in white-ball cricket for India. India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final in his first few months in the role and finished runners-up to Australia at home.

The following year brought a major breakthrough as India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in the final in Barbados to end an 11-year wait for the ICC trophy. India followed that up by winning the Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand in the final to finish the tournament unbeaten.

There were also setbacks during Agarkar’s tenure. India suffered a 3-0 home Test series defeat to New Zealand in 2024, their first home loss in 12 years. Their subsequent Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia also ended in disappointment as India lost the five-Test series 3–1.

Agarkar’s tenure therefore included major ICC titles in limited-overs cricket alongside challenging results in Test cricket as India underwent several significant changes in their team and management.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

18 Sep 2026 16:32 IST