The Ajit Agarkar-led senior men’s selection committee is set to shift just before the Asia Cup 2025, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking applications for two new selectors. The announcement, published in a press release on Friday, has sparked debate about who should move aside and who should take over.
The BCCI has opened its doors to new applicants, with the deadline set for September 10, 5 PM IST. Candidates must have been retired from cricket for at least five years and have played at least seven Tests, 30 first-class matches, ten ODIs, and 20 first-class games, according to the criteria. Furthermore, they must not have served on any BCCI cricket committee for a total of more than five years.
Although zonal participation is no longer required, it has historically influenced the selection process. According to reports, the planned changes are not the result of performance appraisals, but rather alterations to committee duties and responsibilities.
Pragyan Ojha reportedly to be added in selection committee
Currently, the five-member senior selection committee includes chairman Ajit Agarkar, Ajay Ratra, Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Bannerjee, and S. Sharath.
With Ajit Agarkar’s contract extended until September 2026, covering the next T20 World Cup, his role as chief selector remains secure.
The two vacancies are expected to come from the South and Central zones.
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been reported as the frontrunner to replace outgoing selector Sridharan Sharath, who is likely to return as chairman of the junior selection panel, a position he previously held. Meanwhile, Subroto Bannerjee, representing the Central Zone, is also set to be replaced. Shiv Sundar Das and Ajay Ratra, however, are expected to continue in their current roles.
Sharath’s exit from the senior panel is being viewed as a restructuring rather than a demotion. According to the source, BCCI is dissatisfied with the performance of the current junior selection committee, headed by Thilak Naidu. Sharath’s experience and past success with the junior structure make him the natural choice to return as its head.
The Agarkar-led panel has watched India lift the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and reach the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The committee also played a role in handing Shubman Gill as Test captain following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest format.
Interestingly, the women’s selection committee, led by Neetu David, is also set for a revamp with four members completing their terms. Only Shyama Shaw, inducted in 2023, is likely to continue.
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