Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 5: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering replacing Ajit Agarkar as chairman of the senior men's selection committee with former India batter VVS Laxman.
According to reports, the BCCI leadership is evaluating the appointment of Laxman, who currently heads the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, instead of extending Agarkar's tenure. Agarkar's contract ended in June 2026, but the board granted him a three-month extension, which expires in September.
The extension had initially led to expectations that Agarkar would continue until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, recent developments are said to have prompted the board to reassess its plans.
The reported uncertainty comes amid discussions over the future of Rohit Sharma in India's ODI team. Earlier reports had suggested that the three-match ODI series against England could be Rohit's last in the format, a claim later dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Agarkar-led selectors had also discussed with the team management the possibility of leaving the veteran batter out of future ODI assignments. While there is no official confirmation that the discussions influenced the board's thinking, speculation intensified before Rohit responded with a century, prompting fresh debate over the reported plans.
The report also raised questions over the future of fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Despite consistent performances for Bengal in domestic cricket, Shami has remained out of India's plans for an extended period. Agarkar has previously cited concerns over the pacer's fitness, although Shami has continued to perform in the Ranji Trophy.
If a new chief selector takes charge, including Laxman if appointed, Shami's prospects could be reassessed, particularly as India seeks to strengthen its red-ball bowling attack. The new selection panel is also expected to review the team's current balance, including its reliance on all-rounders across formats.
Neither the BCCI nor Agarkar has officially commented on the reports.