Ajit Agarkar reportedly set to be denied extension as BCCI chief selector

Ajit Agarkar, who has served as the Board of Control for Cricket in India chief selector since July 2023, is reportedly facing a snub from the board as of September 21, 2026, with multiple reports claiming he will not be offered an extension to his current role.

Agarkar was appointed BCCI chief selector in July 2023 and during his tenure India reached the final of an ODI World Cup and won two T20 World Cups, the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy; despite these results, he has attracted criticism from some Indian fans over his selection decisions.

A Telegraph report cited in recent coverage says Agarkar became unhappy with attempts by BCCI officials to interfere in team selection and that those disagreements date back to July 2023, when tensions between the selector and the board first emerged.

One detailed flashpoint occurred during India’s 2023 T20I series in Ireland: Jasprit Bumrah had returned from injury, and Agarkar opposed naming him captain immediately, preferring Bumrah focus on fitness and recovery and Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead; the board, however, insisted Bumrah would captain because he wanted to, and that is what transpired.

Sources have reported that Agarkar pushed back against board decisions and sought a larger role for the selection committee in major choices; several media reports now state his stint as chief selector is expected to end without an extension.

Relations further deteriorated amid India’s buildup for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, according to reports, with uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future and role in the team and Agarkar’s growing differences with VVS Laxman contributing to the strain between the selectors and the board.

Agarkar also did not attend the review meeting in Mumbai following India’s defeat to England in July; BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended his absence, but the board were reportedly unhappy with his decision not to attend an important event.

Given the reported clashes over selection authority, player roles and missed meetings, the BCCI are likely to seek a new chief selector in the coming months.