Ajit Agarkar likely to exit as India chief selector after WI squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar‘s future remains uncertain, with the national selection meeting for India’s upcoming white-ball series against West Indies scheduled for Wednesday, September 16. According to multiple reports, there has been no communication between Agarkar and the BCCI’s top brass regarding a possible extension to his tenure.

India are set to play three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies, with the limited-overs series beginning on September 27. While the T20I squad is expected to largely resemble India’s Asian Games contingent, the selectors have several decisions to make while finalising the ODI squad.

However, Wednesday’s meeting could also be Agarkar’s final assignment as chairman of the selection committee. His current contract runs until October 4, and reports suggest that a one-year extension does not appear likely at this stage. Agarkar was previously expected to remain in the role until the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the situation has reportedly changed in recent weeks.

As reported by NDTV Sports, none of the BCCI’s top decision-makers had contacted Agarkar regarding his future as of now. The report also claims that Agarkar has told people close to him that he could send a ‘thank you note’ to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia after the West Indies selection meeting, thanking the board for giving him the opportunity to serve as chief selector for three years.

That said, the BCCI has not officially indicated that it plans to replace Agarkar. The lack of communication between the two sides has instead added to the uncertainty surrounding his future, with the board yet to make a clear decision on his extension.

Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya among players in focus

The upcoming ODI selection could see the return of several familiar names. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya are among the players expected to be discussed, while Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar are also reportedly in contention for places in the squad.

The selectors will also have to consider the availability and fitness of several players before finalising the squad for the three-match ODI series. With Agarkar’s current contract set to expire on October 4, Wednesday’s meeting is likely to attract significant attention beyond the squad selection itself.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us: