New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is understood to be preparing a change at the top of the national selection panel, with former India batter VVS Laxman likely to be appointed as the next chief selector. Current chairman Ajit Agarkar’s tenure is set to end in September, and an extension now appears unlikely.
Agarkar has led the selection committee since 2023. During his term, India won three ICC titles — the T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026, and the Champions Trophy in 2025 — while also bringing several strong domestic performers into the national set-up.
The period also saw major transitions, with senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests and T20s, and others including R Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane moving out of the picture.
While Agarkar is said to be keen on continuing until next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, the BCCI is reportedly not in favour of extending his term. Laxman, currently heading the high-performance division at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, is being considered for the role; he had also served as interim coach during the Zimbabwe tour in the absence of Gautam Gambhir.
The report links the possible change to differences over Rohit Sharma’s future. The selectors had earlier indicated to the BCCI that Rohit would not be part of the World Cup plans, but after his 138-run knock in the final ODI against England, the board side reportedly signalled that he would continue until the World Cup, leading to discontent within the selection panel and a perceived rift with Agarkar.
