Ajit Agarkar's Days As BCCI Chief Selector Are Numbered; Replacement Locked In

Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir [Source: AFP]

As the tenure of current chief selector Ajit Agarkar is nearing its end, reports suggest that a former Indian wicketkeeper-batter could soon take over the role. The change is expected to take place

Notably, Ajit Agarkar was appointed as the chief selector of the BCCI in July 2023. During his time in the role, he oversaw several important achievements for the Indian national team. For example, India reached the final of the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. 

Ajit Agarkar’s tenure nears its end

In addition, the team won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Because of his performance, his tenure as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee was extended until June 2026.

However, recent reports suggest that the BCCI is unlikely to renew Ajit Agarkar's contract after it ends. Since his contract began on July 4, 2023, it was always expected to run until 2026. Therefore, once the T20 World Cup in 2026 is completed, Agarkar is likely to step down from the position.

Zaheer Khan in the race

A few days ago, reports suggested that former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan could become the next chief selector. According to reports from Gulistan News, Zaheer Khan, who is also a close friend of Ajit Agarkar, was considered a strong candidate for the job.

However, Zaheer Khan was not the only person interested in the role. Another former Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, was also reportedly keen to take up the position. Because of this, discussions were said to be ongoing between the BCCI and the possible candidates.

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BCCI’s criteria for chief selector

The BCCI has also set clear rules and qualifications for anyone who wants to become the chief selector. First of all, the candidate must have played international or high-level domestic cricket. 

Notably, the person should have played at least seven Tests, or at least 30 First-Class matches. Another possible qualification is having played at least 10 ODIs along with 20 First-Class matches.

In addition, the person must have retired from professional cricket for at least five years. Moreover, the candidate should not have been part of any BCCI cricket committee activities during those five years.

Parthiv Patel emerges as the leading candidate

Now, according to a report by the Times of India, Parthiv Patel has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ajit Agarkar as the next chief selector after the T20 World Cup 2026.

Harpreet Singh

@lubana_honey06

Shubman Gill Era loading 🚨 - Parthiv Patel will become Chief Selector of team India after Wc - Shubman will be the front runner for t20 captain as Parthiv likes him in Gt - Get ready Samson, Tilak to play under captain Gill

Mar 7, 2026, 10:37 PM

It is worth mentioning that Parthiv Patel had a notable career with the Indian team. He represented India in 25 Tests, 38 ODIs, and two T20Is. Although his international career was limited compared to some others, he remained closely involved with cricket even after retiring as a player.

It is important to note that he worked as a scout for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. At the domestic level, he also achieved success as a captain, leading Gujarat to victory in the Ranji Trophy 2016–17 and the VHT 2016–17. Furthermore, Parthiv Patel also worked as a batting coach for the Gujarat Titans in 2025.

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