Rohit Sharma factor behind Ajit Agarkar’s exit, Zaheer Khan in line for BCCI chief selector role

Ajit Agarkar has reportedly decided not to seek an extension after completing three years as the chairman of the BCCI senior men’s selection committee. The Telegraph, in its September 18 report, has linked the development to the controversy surrounding <a href="https://cricket.international/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-and-ravindra-jadeja-set-to-create-history-against-west-indies/" title="Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja set to create history against West Indies”>Rohit Sharma’s future and also reported that Zaheer Khan is among the names being discussed as a possible successor.

The development comes with uncertainty still surrounding Ajit Agarkar’s position, as another report by CricBlog has made a contrasting claim that the BCCI is preparing to give him a one-year extension. With the Board’s AGM taking place on Friday, the final decision on the selection committee’s leadership is expected to bring clarity to the situation.

Ajit Agarkar’s exit linked to Rohit Sharma episode

According to The Telegraph, Ajit Agarkar has already conveyed to BCCI officials that he does not intend to continue beyond his current term. His three-year tenure began in July 2023, and his existing extension runs until September. The report says Wednesday’s selection meeting could have been his final one in the role, although the BCCI had not officially confirmed his departure at the time of publication.

Ajit Agarkar’s absence from an important review meeting earlier in September had already raised questions about his future. At the time, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said Agarkar was away and could not join the meeting virtually. The development came shortly after Saikia publicly backed Rohit’s continued involvement in India’s ODI plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Disagreements over selection matters had contributed to Agarkar’s reported decision.

The Rohit Sharma episode is understood to have become a major point of tension after information emerged that the former India captain had been told that the Lord’s ODI could be his final appearance. Saikia subsequently clarified that no such decision had been taken and that Rohit could continue as long as he remained part of the team’s plans.

The report, however, does not establish that Ajit Agarkar has formally resigned, with the BCCI yet to make an official announcement.

Zaheer Khan and Parthiv Patel in contention to become next BCCI chief selector

The BCCI is also yet to settle on Ajit Agarkar’s potential replacement. The Telegraph reported that VVS Laxman had emerged as a preferred option but was reluctant to take up a position that would require extensive travel. Parthiv Patel is another name being discussed, while Zaheer Khan has emerged as a possible surprise candidate.

If Agarkar does leave, the appointment process could take some time. As per same report, Pragyan Ojha could potentially serve as an interim chairman when the selection committee picks India’s squads for the upcoming white-ball and Test assignments in New Zealand.

The timing is significant, with India preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup and also managing its ongoing World Test Championship campaign. Any change at the top of the selection committee would therefore come during an important phase of team planning.

Is BCCI planning to give Ajit Agarkar a one-year extension?

CricBlog has reported a completely different scenario, claiming that the BCCI is expected to extend Ajit Agarkar’s tenure by another year. According to the report, the decision could be confirmed at Friday’s AGM and would be aimed at maintaining continuity within the selection setup ahead of major 2027 events.

The report says BCCI officials believe retaining Ajit Agarkar would provide stability before the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. It also acknowledges concerns over India’s Test results during his tenure while pointing to the team’s success in major ICC events during the same period.

It was further stated theAgarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have maintained a productive working relationship during a period of significant changes in Indian cricket.

With the AGM now set to provide greater clarity, Agarkar’s future remains the central question surrounding India’s selection committee.

Source: cricketaddictor.com