BCCI begins process to replace Ajit Agarkar as chief selector

The BCCI has reportedly begun the process of appointing the next chairman of the men's senior selection committee, with incumbent Ajit Agarkar unlikely to receive an extension.

Agarkar, who took charge in July 2023, has a contract that runs until October 4. There had been speculation that the former India fast bowler would be retained until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but recent developments have cast doubt on his continuation. According to sources cited by NDTV, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and current selection committee member Pragyan Ojha have emerged as the leading candidates to replace him.

Parthiv Patel and Pragyan Ojha emerge as contenders

The BCCI's Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Friday, with Agarkar's future expected to be decided around the end of his current tenure. Reports suggest that Wednesday's selection meeting, at which India's squads for the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies were announced, could have been Agarkar's last in the role. The committee also selected the Rest of India squad for the Irani Trophy under his leadership.

Patel and Ojha are reportedly the two names currently being considered. Both are former India players and three-time IPL winners. Ojha is already a member of the senior men's selection committee, having been inducted alongside Ajit Agarkar, Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and R P Singh.

Rohit Sharma episode adds to speculation

Questions over Agarkar's future have also emerged amid reports of differences between the selection committee and the BCCI over Rohit Sharma's ODI future.

The selectors had reportedly informed the former India captain that he was no longer part of their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup and wanted to focus on giving a younger player regular opportunities. However, they left the decision on his ODI career to Rohit, who has already retired from Tests and T20Is.

The reports were followed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stating that there was no plan to force Rohit into retirement and that the veteran batter would continue to be selected as long as he remained part of the selectors' plans. Recent reports said the selectors had communicated their position to the board before speaking to Rohit, with the episode reportedly causing friction with Agarkar.

Rohit has since been included in India's ODI squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies. The three-match series begins on September 27, with Shubman Gill as captain and KL Rahul as vice-captain. Virat Kohli has also returned to the ODI squad.

Agarkar's tenure produced three ICC titles

Agarkar was appointed chairman of the men's selection committee in July 2023. During his tenure, India ended their ICC trophy drought by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team then won the 2025 Champions Trophy before successfully defending the T20 World Cup title earlier this year.

The BCCI had discussed preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup at a review meeting earlier this month. Saikia had said there was no discussion about Agarkar's future at that meeting, while the board was also working on a broader roadmap for the World Cup.

With Agarkar's contract nearing its end, attention is now on whether the BCCI will appoint Patel, Ojha or another candidate as his successor.