Ajit Agarkar denies contract extension [Source: AFP]Ajit Agarkar’s eventful stint as India’s chief selector is likely at an end. Earlier today, after BCCI conducted its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai, vice-president Rajiv Shukla said that the board will soon be taking a call on the chief selector role.However, it now appears that the former Indian fast bowler has himself denied any contract extension, expressing his willingness to discontinue the high-profile gig.Ajit Agarkar walking out on his own terms as BCCI chief selectorAccording to reports, former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar himself expressed his willingness to relinquish his role as BCCI’s chief selector for the Indian cricket team.Also Read- List Of All Series/Tournaments With Results That India Played Under Ajit Agarkar As Chief Selector (2023-2026)The report states that the ex-cricketer informed the BCCI about his decision even before the AGM took place in Mumbai on Friday, September 18. It is worth noting that Agarkar’s term is schedule to end on October 4 next month, i.e., during the West Indies tour of India 2026. Speaking to The Hindu, a BCCI office-bearer said, “Agarkar has formally informed the BCCI just before the AGM that he doesn’t wish to continue as a selector.”It is worth noting that Ajit Agarkar remained unavailable for comment, and is yet to specify the exact reason behind his decision of leaving as chief selector.What did BCCI say about Agarkar after AGM?After the AGM in Mumbai, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla had already hinted that Agarkar may not continue as chief selector for the Indian cricket team. While speaking with the reporters, Shukla added that the general body has granted authority to BCCI office-bearers to take a call on the chief selector.He said “The General Body has authorised the BCCI office-bearers to take a call on the chief selector.”A look at Agarkar’s eventful stint as India’s chief selectorAjit Agarkar was named chairman of the BCCI selection committee back in July 2023. During his tenure, Team India reached the final of the 2023 ICC World Cup, and lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. However, Agarkar’s stint has also been marred with several controversies, especially with India’s dwindling performance in Test cricket. Apart from suffering two home series whitewashes at the hands of New Zealand and South Africa, India also conceded its Border-Gavaskar Trophy back to Australia for the first time in a decade.Legendary batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also announced their Test retirements during Agarkar’s tenue. As per reports, Agarkar was also unhappy with the BCCI after the board decided to back Rohit in India’s ODI side up until the 2027 ICC World Cup next year.Who will replace Ajit Agarkar as next chief selector?As reported by the TOI, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Agarkar as the next chief selector. Pragyan Ojha has also been shortlisted for the role. At the moment, Parthiv is serving as the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans franchise in the IPL.Also Read- Delhi Capitals Retention List, Release List, Players List Before WPL 2027 Auction
