BCCI Issues 1st Statement On Ajit Agarkar As India Chief Selector After AGM

Ajit Agarkar unlikely to continue - (source: AFP)On Friday, September 18, the BCCI conducted its 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its headquarters in Mumbai. IPL governing members’ men’s team chief selector’s tenure were a few key agendas discussed in the meeting.All eyes were on Ajit Agarkar’s future, who was reported to be uninterested in extending his role as Team India’s chief selector. In the latest events, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla issued his first remarks on the matter right after the meeting.BCCI Issues Statement On Ajit Agarkar’s FutureRajiv Shukla, who attended the AGM, refused to make any announcement, but hinted that Ajit Agarkar might not continue as the chief selector. Shukla remarked that the general body has granted authority to BCCI office-bearers to take a call on the chief selector.“The General Body has authorised the BCCI office-bearers to take a call on the chief selector,” vice-president Rajiv Shukla said after the BCCI AGM.In the same interaction, Rajiv Shukla confirmed that Arun Dhumal will continue as IPL governing chairman. Therefore, if Agarkar was to continue, then the BCCI vice-president could have added his name as well to the list of people who have been retained to continue doing their jobs.However, his refusal to speak on the matter and the fact that the office-bearers have been granted responsibility, it directs to the fact that Ajit Agarkar might step away from his role.Also Read: Virat Kohli's Childhood Coach Rajkumar Sharma Leads Race To Become Head CoachParthiv Patel Frontrunner for Chief Selector RoleA latest report from Times of India mentioned that Parthiv Patel is the front-runner to replace Ajit Agarkar. Earlier, reports suggest that Patel and Pragyan Ojha are the two former India cricketers shortlisted for the chief selector role.However, it seems that Parthiv Patel has an edge over Ojha and is next in line to replace Ajit Agarkar. The former India opener will also replace Ajit Agarkar as the West Zone selector. If Agarkar is to leave, then the recent squad selection for West Indies ODIs was his last selection meeting.At present, Parthiv Patel is the batting coach of Gujarat Titans. If he gets appointed as the India chief selector, then he will have to leave his role.Why Is Ajit Agarkar Not Extending His Tenure?Ajit Agarkar joined the BCCI on July 4, 2023. His journey has not been a smooth one. Agarkar is known for taking tough calls and it has not gone well done with several players.Under his tenure, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Tests, which sparked a widespread criticism. Things got ugly after England series, where reports suggested that Agarkar was not happy with BCCI declaring Rohit's place in the team.Reportedly, Rohit Sharma was told by the selectors that they don't see him for 2027 ODI World Cup. Amid the debate, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia spoke to the press and stated that the hitman is a crucial part of Indian team.Also Read: India Star Ruled Out vs Australia; Delhi Capitals Star Named Replacement