A fresh twist in Indian cricket administration is stirring the pot, and unfortunately for Ajit Agarkar’s close confidants, it’s not the kind of news you’d want to hear.
What’s Going On?
Just days after announcing India’s squad for Asia Cup 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dropped a bombshell: it has invited applications to fill two vacancies in the senior men’s national selection committee. This panel, currently headed by Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, includes SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S Sharath.
These selections are made annually and the BCCI hasn’t confirmed who will be replaced yet. However, insiders hint at more changes to come.
Who’s Likely to Go?
Reports strongly suggest that S. Sharath, representing the South Zone, is nearing the end of his term and may yield his spot to former India spinner Pragyan Ojha. Meanwhile, speculation points to either SS Das or Subroto Banerjee potentially being replaced, though names remain unconfirmed.
The BCCI has clearly signaled that fresh perspectives might soon enter the selection room.
What About Ajit Agarkar?
Good news there—Agarkar’s tenure as Chief Selector has been extended until June 2026, reaffirming the board’s confidence in his leadership. This extension makes him the first-ever BCCI chief selector to receive a contract extension, a historic milestone.
Under his guidance since July 2023, Team India has enjoyed considerable success—claiming the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, in addition to reaching the final of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.
Why Now?
This shake-up comes at a pivotal moment—India is undergoing a major transition, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravi Ashwin stepping away from various formats. The responsibility now falls on Agarkar’s panel and head coach Gautam Gambhir to rebuild and steer the team ahead of upcoming global tournaments
The BCCI’s annual general body meeting in September may be the stage for formalizing these replacements. The official application deadline for these positions is 5 PM IST on September 10, 2025
