New Delhi: In a significant announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to renew the contract of former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar as chief selector for an additional year. Under Agarkar’s leadership, India has achieved considerable success, securing three ICC trophies.
With the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year, the BCCI aims to solidify its lineup and has expressed confidence in Agarkar’s current leadership. According to a senior BCCI source speaking to PTI, “Agarkar didn’t seek an extension. A selector can serve up to four years in either junior or senior selection committees, and five years cumulatively across both. Hence, Ajit’s contract is being renewed and not extended.”
Agarkar’s track record of making tough decisions ahead of major tournaments has been a key factor in this renewal. Notably, he oversaw the retirement announcements of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, while omitting ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill from India’s T20 World Cup squad, favoring Ishan Kishan for the role instead.
With this renewal, Agarkar joins the ranks of Kris Srikkanth, Sandeep Patil, and M. S. K. Prasad as one of the longest-serving chief selectors in BCCI history, all having held the position for four years. Agarkar’s contract is now set to run until June 2027, aligning with the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027. This extension reflects the BCCI’s commitment to maintaining continuity as Team India strives for further success in prestigious tournaments.
