BCCI invites applications for selector's position after Ajit Agarkar's tenure ends

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for one position on its Men's Selection Committee, formally beginning the process to find Ajit Agarkar's replacement after his tenure as chairman of selectors came to an end.

The BCCI issued the advertisement on Tuesday, two days after Agarkar's tenure ended on October 4. Agarkar, who took over as chairman of the senior men's selection committee in July 2023, did not seek an extension, according to reports.

The BCCI itself has not issued a separate statement on Agarkar's departure, but the board has now advertised one position on the five-member selection committee.

Former India left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha is currently serving as the interim head of the committee. The other members are Shiv Sunder Das, RP Singh and Ajay Ratra.

Ojha, who played 24 Tests for India, is in line to become the next chief selector. According to the BCCI constitution, the chairman of the selection committee is determined by Test experience. If the incoming selector has played more Tests than the other members of the committee, he will become the chief selector. If not, Ojha, who has played the most Tests among the current members, will be elevated to the position.

The new appointment is expected to come from the West Zone, which was the zone represented by Agarkar.

The BCCI said the new member will be responsible for selecting the senior national men's team for Tests, ODIs, T20Is and any other format. The selector will also be involved in identifying talent and developing the bench strength of the national team.

The board has set October 14 as the deadline for applications, with eligible candidates required to submit their applications by 5pm IST. After the applications are screened and shortlisted, the candidates will be called for personal interviews.

Applicants must have played at least seven Tests, or 30 first-class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 first-class matches. They must also have retired from the game at least five years previously.

The BCCI has stated that anyone who has been a member of any Cricket Committee, as defined by its Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, for a cumulative period of five years will not be eligible for the position.

The new selector's responsibilities will extend beyond picking squads. The BCCI said the member will be required to scout and assess players during domestic and international matches and contribute to the selection and development of the senior team across formats.

The selector will also attend team meetings, travel to watch domestic and international matches when required, prepare quarterly evaluation reports on the team's performance for the BCCI Apex Council and address the media on team selection.

The committee is also responsible for appointing the captain for the national team in each format.

Agarkar's absence had already been noticeable during India's recent home ODI series against the West Indies. Before the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30, head coach Gautam Gambhir held a lengthy meeting with the four-member selection committee. Ojha, Das, Ratra and RP Singh attended the meeting, while Agarkar was absent. The discussion was understood to have focused on India's upcoming tour of New Zealand and the selection requirements for the series, according to the PTI.

India subsequently completed the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, winning the first two matches before losing the third in New Chandigarh on October 3. West Indies won the final ODI by five wickets, but India took the series 2-1.

The selection committee now faces its next assignment with India's home series against New Zealand approaching. The New Zealand tour is scheduled to include five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, with the first T20I to be played on October 22.

The BCCI's advertisement therefore begins the formal process of appointing a new member, while Ojha continues as interim head of the committee. The appointment will also determine who eventually takes charge of the selection committee as India continues its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.- Ends