There is continued suspense over Ajit Agarkar’s future as chairman of selectors, with the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on Friday (September 18) offering no immediate clarity on his position. However, Cricbuzz understands that the board’s office bearers have been authorised to decide on the senior men’s selection committee.
Agarkar’s continuation in the role has been the subject of speculation, despite the BCCI playing down his recent absence from a review meeting held earlier this month to discuss India’s performances on the tour of the UK.
Questions over his position have particularly emerged since the Rohit Sharma episode ahead of the Lord’s ODI, when the selectors reportedly informed the former captain that he was not in the team’s plans, only for the BCCI to intervene. Agarkar, who was appointed chairman of selectors in July 2023, is believed to have a contract that runs until October 2026.
Meanwhile, the selection meeting to pick the India squads for the West Indies ODIs, the Irani Cup and the India A teams went ahead earlier this week without any apparent disruption. Those familiar with the developments said it was business as usual, with the selectors going about their work normally.
Should Agarkar’s tenure come to an end, however, the BCCI will not be able to appoint a new chairman immediately. The board will have to follow the prescribed process, beginning with an advertisement for the position and followed by interviews, meaning a replacement is likely to take some time. It is learnt that former India keeper-bat Parthiv Patel could be a potential successor to Agarkar’s role, should it come down to a change at the top.
Junior selection committee appointment process ongoing
The process for appointing the new junior selection committee has also not reached its conclusion. The BCCI advertised for five positions on August 24, but interviews are yet to take place. There had been an expectation that the new committee would be announced after the AGM. The latest information, however, is that the process is likely to continue until the end of the month.
No change to BGT venues
Meanwhile, Saurabh Tiwary, secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) has debunked reports of Ranchi being replaced as a venue for next year’s Border Gavaskar Trophy. The marquee five Test series will begin on January 21 in Nagpur. Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad will host the other four Tests, in that order.
“There is no change in the venue. If anybody has to write to the BCCI about it, it should be me and I have not written it,” Tiwary told the media.
Discussion on BCCI’s position on Sports Governance Act
At the AGM, the BCCI also discussed the National Sports Governance Act. The Supreme Court has sought clarification from the board on its stance, which could require the BCCI to formally spell out its position on the legislation.
BCCI has so far maintained, including in its position in the Odisha Cricket Association case, that cricket cannot be considered a ‘designated sport’ under the Act.
More follows…
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