# BCCI seeks new chief selector as Agarkar set to leave

2026-09-19T07:17:06+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

The BCCI has begun the search for a new chief selector for the senior men's cricket team after Ajit Agarkar informed the board of his decision to leave the post. His term ends on October 4. The BCCI's Annual General Meeting on Friday authorised office bearers to decide on Agarkar's future, with secretary Devajit Saikia saying a decision will be taken at the right time. Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel and spinner Pragyan Ojha are leading candidates to replace Agarkar, according to reports. The Economic Times reports that differences with BCCI over Rohit Sharma's future and with Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman over injury management and scheduling were key reasons for the parting. Deccan Herald notes Agarkar's tenure included India's 2024 T20 World Cup win and the 2025 Champions Trophy win, but also controversial decisions like replacing Rohit with Shubman Gill as ODI captain. The BCCI is also filling all five positions on the junior selection committee, with Saikia saying the process should be complete within 10-15 days. The board has received many applications, which will be shortlisted and sent to the cricket committee for selection.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The coverage splits along sourcing lines. Deccan Herald and m9.news report Agarkar's departure as a routine administrative transition, highlighting his trophy wins and noting the search for a successor. The Economic Times, however, frames the exit as driven by two conflicts: the board's reversal of Agarkar's decision to drop Rohit Sharma, and a clash with VVS Laxman over player management. This account, attributed to anonymous BCCI officials, portrays Agarkar as sidelined on key calls, a view the other outlets omit. The discrepancy suggests the board's public narrative downplays internal friction. The next weeks will decide if the new chief selector is appointed before Agarkar's term ends on October 4. The coverage splits along sourcing lines. Deccan Herald and m9.news report Agarkar's departure as a routine transition, highlighting his trophy wins.

## Coverage

- deccanherald.com (neutral report) <https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/bcci-initiates-search-for-next-chief-selector-after-ajit-agarkar-informs-of-decision-to-leave-post-4151733>
  Straightforward wire report on transition, lists achievements and process.
- m9.news (sensationalist) <https://www.m9.news/sports/parthiv-patel-replace-ajit-agarkar-bcci-chief-selector/>
  Leads with speculation on Parthiv Patel as replacement, drama-first tone.
- economictimes.indiatimes.com (government critical) <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/cricket/reasons-for-agarkar-exit-rohit-sharma-future-fiasco-difference-of-opinion-with-vvs-laxman/articleshow/134353278.cms>
  Frames exit as driven by board interference in selector's authority, critical of administration.

Tags: Ajit Agarkar, BCCI, Devajit Saikia, Parthiv Patel, Pragyan Ojha
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bcci-starts-search-for-new-chief-selector-after-agarkar-exit/
License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources.
Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bcci-starts-search-for-new-chief-selector-after-agarkar-exit/#story-in-brief