Ajit Agarkar to step down as BCCI men's chief selector after October 4

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said on Wednesday that Ajit Agarkar will step down as chairman of the senior men's selection committee when his three-year tenure with the board ends on October 4. Agarkar informed the BCCI on September 18 that he would not seek an extension to his contract.

The board has already authorised its office-bearers to take a call on the future of the selection committee, Saikia said, and the BCCI is not in a hurry to name a successor. Agarkar took over as chairman of the senior men's selection committee in July 2023, succeeding Chetan Sharma.

"As far as Ajit Agarkar is concerned, his tenure is going to be over on 4th of October and we have sufficient time till 4th," Saikia told PTI Videos. "We are going to take a decision regarding the vacant position which will be there after 4th of October. Once any decision is taken by BCCI, we will definitely announce it in public domain," he added.

Agarkar's three-year spell has coincided with notable white-ball trophies for India, with the men's side winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025. The BCCI is set to begin the process of filling the chairman's post after October 4.

The next selection committee chairman will inherit a team preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, a factor the BCCI has identified as relevant to the appointment and India's white-ball plans. The board's choice will therefore oversee selection for that cycle.

Saikia also commented on India's performance at the Asian Games, praising the women's squad after their gold-medal win in Japan. "We are very proud, the country is rejoicing their stupendous victory. The women's team has really done well and they are continuing their winning streak for more than one year," Saikia said; he noted India's men's team will begin its campaign on September 28, with the final scheduled for October 3. "We hope that the men will also follow the same pathway which the women's team has laid in Japan. I hope the country will have another golden opportunity to rejoice on October 3," Saikia added.

The BCCI has said it will commence the process to appoint Agarkar's successor after October 4 and will make any decision public once taken.