Ajit Agarkar’s future has finally been revealed as the chief selector of BCCI. He has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India that he will not continue as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee beyond his current contract, which ends on 4 October 2026.
According to reports based on sources and the Press Trust of India (PTI), the decision stems from growing differences with the board, particularly over the future of former captain Rohit Sharma in ODIs and policy disagreements with Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman.
Ajit Agarkar out as BCCI chief selector; reported differences with Rohit Sharma & THIS player
Agarkar’s absence from a key review meeting in Mumbai discussing India’s white-ball series against England is said to have been the final trigger. The reports further say that the selection panel, in consultation with the team management, had reportedly decided to move on from Rohit after the Lord’s ODI to give more opportunities to younger players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Rohit, who remains keen to feature in the tournament, was unhappy with the communication. The BCCI later issued a public statement backing the veteran and dismissing retirement talk, which sources say left Agarkar feeling slighted and undermined regarding decisions on senior players. According to what was told to PTI by a senior BCCI official privy:
"That was perhaps the day when Ajit knew that it would be very difficult for him to continue.”
The source further added to the aforementioned organisation:
"In fact, he had no inkling that a media statement was issued by the BCCI. He understood that going forward, the call on big names won't be his prerogative.”
Differences with Laxman are also said to have centred on the handling of injured players, the scheduling of India A matches, and the use of first-team players in secondary events. It was regarding the policies on the injured players as well as scheduling of India ‘A’ fixtures.
Agarkar took charge in July 2023. Under his panel, India reached four ICC white-ball finals and won three trophies, including the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026 and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had earlier stated that the board still has time to decide on a successor and will do so at the appropriate moment. The board is expected to begin the process of appointing a new chief selector shortly. In another development, Parthuv Patel is said to be the frontrunner for Agarkar’s replacement.
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