The BCCI is considering a possible leadership change ahead of the September 2026 deadline, raising major concerns over Ajit Agarkar‘s future as India’s chief selector. Dainik Jagran claims that pressure on Agarkar’s position has increased because to retirement rumors surrounding Rohit Sharma and what media characterize as conflicting messages from the board.
June 2026 marked the end of Ajit Agarkar initial term. In order to provide him time for a structured review, the BCCI later offered him a three-month extension, putting the end of his current term in September 2026. Although no official announcement has been made, the board has recognized that talks about who will fill the position moving forward are at the “consideration stage.”
Ajit Agarkar has managed a successful run in white-ball cricket since taking over as chief selector in July 2023.
During his tenure, India participated in four ICC white-ball finals and won three global titles in a row: the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Why is Laxman being considered for the role of chief selector?
The front-runner to replace Ajit Agarkar is VVS Laxman, who is now in charge of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Laxman oversees the national cricket pipeline in that role, which includes sports science, education programs, coaching structure, and Under-19 development.
Laxman has participated in several senior BCCI discussions. After Rahul Dravid resigned in 2024, he was considered for the head coaching position, which ultimately went to Gautam Gambhir. After India’s whitewashes under Gambhir, the board reportedly considered a split-coaching system that would have put Laxman in charge of Test cricket, but those discussions were unsuccessful. In 2026, he also served as an interim coach for India’s visit of Zimbabwe.
Reports make clear why he is a candidate for the selection position. “BCCI officials feel that Laxman’s views will carry greater weight and that senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would also be more receptive to his advice.”
What is this process’s next confirmed step?
Ajit Agarkar has stated that he plans to stay in the position at least until the 2027 ODI World Cup. But according to reports, “the BCCI never gave him any clear assurances in this regard, and now the board’s stance appears to be changing.”
Ajit Agarkar immediate future, according to the article, “hinges on the outcome of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka.” At the BCCI’s AGM in September 2026, a final decision on the top selector position is anticipated. As of right now, the board has not released an official statement.
