BCCI Rules Out VVS Laxman's Appointment, Ajit Agarkar Kept Hanging

VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar [Source: AFP]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) came up with a number of key decisions following their meeting in Mumbai. Some of those decisions involve ageing warhorse Rohit Sharma, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and former Indian batter VVS Laxman.

For Laxman, the ex-cricketer will not be getting any “new role” with the Indian board. The explosive report contrasts the earlier claim which stated that the BCCI was planning to appoint Laxman as the new Director of Cricket. As a director, the legendary Indian batter would have gotten the authority to make all key decisions related to Indian cricket, including both men’s and women’s game.

BCCI dismisses talk of VVS Laxman’s promotion

On Thursday, September 3, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the rumours of VVS Laxman becoming the new Director of Indian Cricket. 

The profile itself was reportedly carved out especially for Laxman, after last month’s reports claimed that the former Indian cricketer was in consideration for a major promotion.

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Previously, there has not been any permanent Director of Cricket post in the BCCI. The President and Secretary are the main men of the body, while others act as advisors.

With Saikia ruling out the possibility of Laxman’s appointment, the BCCI’s plans for a new Director of Cricket now appear to have been shelved, at least for the time being.

VVS Laxman to coach Team India in Asian Games

VVS Laxman, however, will coach the Indian men’s cricket team in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan. 

He was chosen over regular coach Gautam Gambhir considering the latter will remain with the senior team for the upcoming home ODI series against the West Indies later this month. 

While the Asian Games 2026 men’s T20I event will be played between September 24 and October 3 at Nisshin in Japan, the multi-nation event will coincide with India’s three ODI matches against the West Indies between September 27 and October 3. 

The ODI series marks a crucial path for Team India in their road towards next year’s 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. 

No change in Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also confirmed that there will be no changes made within the Ajit Agarkar-led men’s selection committee. 

He said “No discussions as far as Ajit Agarkar's Tenure is concerned.”

It is worth noting that Agarkar was appointed as the chairman of the senior men’s selection committee back in mid-2023 as a replacement of Chetan Sharma. 

While Team India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups as well as the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy during his tenure, Agarkar’s reign has been criticized for India’s underwhelming Test results. 

Rohit Sharma to continue playing, confirms Saikia

Devajit Saikia also confirmed that Rohit Sharma will continue to keep playing for Team India, and urged fans and reporters to “not give fodder” to the rumours of his retirement from international cricket.

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