The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) is set to replace two of its national selectors, just two days after the announcement of India’s Asia Cup squad, which saw the return of Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah to the T20I fold.
The BCCI has opened applications for two spots in the men’s national selection committee. The selected members will be responsible for picking the Indian team across all formats — Tests, One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, and any other formats as determined by the BCCI.
Who is Eligible for National Selector Positions?
Only cricketers with first-class experience are eligible to become national selectors. A candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A minimum of 7 Test matches;
- OR 30 First-Class matches;
- OR 10 ODIs and 20 First-Class matches.
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Must have retired from the game at least 5 years prior.
- Must not have been a member of any BCCI Cricket Committee for a cumulative period of 5 years.
Earlier media reports suggested that the current selection committee — comprising Ajit Agarkar, SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S Sharath — was under scrutiny. It was reported that changes to the panel could be made at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, Sharath is likely to be replaced by former India spinner Pragyan Ojha. Sharath, in turn, is expected to take over as the chief of the junior men’s selection committee.
While two members of the senior men’s committee are set to be replaced, Ajit Agarkar is likely to receive an extension on his tenure till 2026.
Agarkar’s Tenure and Achievements
Appointed in July 2023, Agarkar has overseen several key achievements for the national team, including:
- Reaching the final of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup
- Winning the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024
- Winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025
These milestones are believed to be major reasons behind the BCCI’s decision to retain him.
“Under his tenure, the Indian team won titles and saw transitions in the Test and T20 formats too. The BCCI extended his contract till June 2026, and he accepted the offer a few months back,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
In addition to the men’s selection roles, the BCCI has also opened four positions in the women’s national selection committee, and one position in the junior men’s cricket selection committee.
