Ajit Agarkar has formally informed the BCCI that he does not wish to continue as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee past October 4.
Ajit Agarkar’s three-year tenure as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee has effectively come to an end after the former India speedster formally informed the BCCI that he does not wish to continue past October 4.
The development emerged around the BCCI’s 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM), where office-bearers were authorised to fill upcoming vacancies. Multiple member representatives confirmed that board delegates were told on the sidelines of the meeting that the process to find Agarkar’s successor will soon begin.
When asked about the situation, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia remained non-committal, stating, "Today, there was no discussion on any individual. We still have 15 days to go. Fifteen days is a long time in the world of cricket. We have 15 days’ time, we will take a decision at an appropriate time. We will let you know about it."
Agarkar, who assumed the role in July 2023, led the committee through several high-profile decisions. These included naming Suryakumar Yadav T20I captain ahead of then vice-captain Hardik Pandya in 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as ODI captain following India's Champions Trophy victory last year, dropping Suryakumar from the squad earlier in the year, and overseeing a period of major Test retirements.
However, his tenure was also marked by growing friction. Differences emerged between the selection committee and the BCCI Centre of Excellence over player rehabilitation and management. Relations were further strained when Saikia publicly backed Rohit's continuation in the ODI set-up without keeping the selection committee in the loop.
Should the BCCI adhere to its unwritten zonal representation formula, former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel is considered the front-runner to succeed Agarkar. Under board rules, the committee member with the most Test caps serves as chairman.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Cricket. Photo courtesy The Hindu Cricket.