Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Agarkar Absence Deepens Uncertainty Over BCCI Chief Selector Role
Ajit Agarkar is the chairman of India’s cricket selection committee.
He did not attend an important BCCI meeting on Thursday.
The BCCI said he was traveling and could not connect online.
His three-year term has ended, so the Board must decide whether he will continue.
That decision is expected at a meeting on September 18.
The BCCI has said Rohit Sharma can keep playing in one-day cricket if he remains part of the team’s plans.
Some selectors reportedly believe Rohit should not play in the 2027 World Cup.
This disagreement has created uncertainty about Agarkar’s future.
VVS Laxman and others could be considered if Agarkar leaves.
Ajit Agarkar missed Thursday’s performance review meeting at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said Agarkar was out of town and unable to join virtually.
Agarkar’s three-year term ended in July, with an extension decision expected at the September 18 AGM.
The BCCI has publicly backed Rohit Sharma’s continued place in the ODI setup before the 2027 World Cup.
VVS Laxman, Parthiv Patel and Zaheer Khan are among names linked to a possible replacement for Agarkar.
- Who
- Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI, its secretary Devajit Saikia, and candidates including VVS Laxman are central to the situation.
- What
- Agarkar missed a BCCI performance review meeting as uncertainty grew over his continuation as chief selector.
- When
- The meeting took place on Thursday; the BCCI AGM is scheduled for September 18, when his extension is expected to be decided.
- Where
- The meeting was held at the Board of Control for Cricket in India headquarters in Mumbai.
- Why
- Uncertainty stems from Agarkar’s pending extension and reported disagreement between the selection panel and the BCCI over Rohit Sharma’s ODI future.
Selection Panel Perspective
BCCI Perspective
Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup prospects
Selection Panel Perspective
A majority of Agarkar’s panel reportedly believes Rohit Sharma’s time in the ODI setup is over and that selectors should look beyond him for the 2027 World Cup.
BCCI Perspective
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly backed Rohit, saying his strong performances justified his continued place in the ODI setup.
Selection authority
Selection Panel Perspective
Agarkar is understood to be unhappy about reported BCCI interference in selection matters, particularly the handling of Rohit’s retirement situation.
BCCI Perspective
The BCCI clarified that no decision had been made to remove Rohit and indicated that Agarkar would need to decide whether he could continue within the Board’s approach.
- Meeting
- BCCI performance review meeting held Thursday
- Agarkar’s tenure
- He completed three years as selection committee chairman in July
- Extension decision
- Expected to be finalised at the BCCI AGM on September 18
- Agarkar’s explanation
- He was out of town and could not join the meeting virtually
- Rohit Sharma
- The BCCI said he could continue as a regular ODI member while fitting team plans
- Possible replacements
- VVS Laxman, Parthiv Patel and Zaheer Khan have been discussed
- Other selection vacancy
- East Zone selector Shiv Sundar Das’s term ends later this year