Two Changes Likely in Ajit Agarkar-led India Men's Selection Committee

Two Changes Likely in Ajit Agarkar-led India Men's Selection Committee

The BCCI is set to make changes to its senior men's national selection committee, currently led by Ajit Agarkar, with two new appointments expected soon. In a press release issued on Friday, the board invited fresh applications for the positions, with the deadline set for 5 PM IST on September 10.

While the BCCI hasn’t specified which selectors will be replaced, sources suggest the changes are most likely to affect two of Shiv Sunder Das (Central Zone), Subroto Bannerjee (East Zone), and S Sharath (South Zone). Ajit Agarkar (West Zone), who took over as chairman in 2023, is expected to remain in the role, with his contract extended until the 2026 T20 World Cup. Ajay Ratra (North Zone), who joined the panel in late 2024, is also expected to continue.

None of the current panel members have yet exceeded the five-year cumulative tenure cap imposed by the BCCI. However, with Sharath having joined the senior committee in 2023 after previously chairing the junior panel, and Das having served briefly as interim chairman following Chetan Sharma’s exit, the focus is likely on refreshing those zones.

Bannerjee, a former India pacer, joined the selection committee in early 2023.

Eligibility Criteria for New Selectors

Applicants must have retired from all forms of cricket at least five years ago and meet one of the following playing experience requirements:

  • Minimum of 7 Test matches or 30 first-class matches, or

  • Minimum of 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches

Candidates must also not have served on any BCCI cricket committee for a cumulative period exceeding five years.

Women's Selection Panel Set for Overhaul

Significant changes are also expected in the women’s selection panel. The term of the current committee, chaired by Neetu David, concludes in September. Their final assignment was the selection of India’s squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup.

Shyama Shaw, who joined the panel in 2023, is the only member likely to remain. Neetu David, Aarti Vaidya, and Renu Margrate will step down, with the BCCI also expected to address the current lack of representation from the South Zone in the women’s panel.

Junior Panel May See One Change

Meanwhile, one change is anticipated in the junior selection committee, which is headed by former Karnataka wicketkeeper Thilak Naidu. Naidu was promoted to the role in 2023 following S Sharath’s elevation to the senior panel. Other members of the junior committee include Ranadeb Bose (East), Harvinder Singh Sodhi (North), Pathik Patel (West), and Krishen Mohan (Central).

With three selection panels under review, the BCCI appears set for a comprehensive shake-up of its national selection structure across all levels.