Ajit Agarkar ends stint as India chief selector after informing BCCI at 95th AGM

Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as India’s chief selector ended after he informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India during the 95th Annual General Meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Friday that he would not seek an extension, and the board accepted his decision.

Agarkar had taken charge as chief selector in July 2023 and served for more than three years. His official term expired in June 2026 but the BCCI granted a three-month extension that was due to run until September. The AGM also recorded other administrative moves, including the induction of Arun Singh Dhumal and M Khairul Jamal Majumdar to the IPL Governing Council.

Media reports said the decision followed months of reported strain between Agarkar and the board over selection calls. Those reports identified alleged interference from the board as a principal factor in his choice not to continue. Coverage additionally linked controversy around Rohit Sharma’s retirement during the ODI series against England to the tensions.

Agarkar’s absence from a high-profile BCCI meeting earlier this month had prompted speculation about his future. Several members who attended the AGM confirmed the reports to The Hindu, according to published accounts.

Agarkar handled his final selection duties for the India squad for the tour of the West Indies and for the Irani Cup squad before stepping down. Names reported as potential successors include former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel as a frontrunner, with Zaheer Khan and Pragyan Ohja also mentioned as options.

The BCCI is set to initiate the process to appoint Agarkar’s successor following the confirmation of his decision at the AGM.