BCCI bids farewell to Ajit Agarkar after tenure yielding 3 ICC trophies
Synopsis
Ajit Agarkar's exit as BCCI chief selector closes one of Indian cricket's most successful administrative chapters — three ICC trophies, two Asia Cups, two Asian Games golds. As Pragyan Ojha holds the fort and the BCCI hunts for a West Zone replacement by 14 October, the key question is whether the incoming chairman can sustain a golden run that will be very hard to replicate.
Key Takeaways
BCCI paid tribute to Ajit Agarkar on 7 October 2026 as his tenure as chairman of the men's selection committee officially ended.
Agarkar's tenure from July 2023 yielded 3 ICC trophies (2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 T20 World Cup), 2 Asia Cup titles , and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals .
His final assignment was selecting India's white-ball squads for the series against the West Indies .
Former spinner Pragyan Ojha , who played 24 Tests , is serving as acting chairman pending a permanent appointment.
The BCCI is seeking a West Zone replacement; the application deadline is 14 October 2026 .
Candidates must have played at least 7 Tests and retired from international cricket at least 5 years ago.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 paid a formal tribute to Ajit Agarkar, acknowledging the outgoing chairman of the senior men's selection committee for his role during one of Indian cricket's most decorated phases. Agarkar's tenure officially concluded on Tuesday, a day after the BCCI opened applications for the vacant position in its five-member selection panel.
A Trophy-Laden Tenure
Agarkar assumed charge as chairman in July 2023 and oversaw a remarkable run of silverware for Indian cricket. Under his watch, India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final, before going on to claim the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2026 T20 World Cup — a combined haul of three ICC trophies. The national side also secured two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals during this period.
'A tenure marked by some truly special moments for Indian cricket — three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, along with a run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final,' the BCCI said in a post on X. 'Thank you, Mr Ajit Agarkar, for your commitment, conviction and contribution as Chairman of the Men's Selection Committee. Wishing you the very best for the journey ahead,' it added.
Final Assignment and Transition
Agarkar's last act as chairman was the selection of India's white-ball squads for the ongoing series against the West Indies. Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has since taken charge as acting chairman, having presided over squad selection for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and three India A fixtures.
The current selection panel comprises Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, and RP Singh. As per BCCI protocol, the selector with the most Test appearances leads the committee; Ojha, who represented India in 24 Tests, is the senior-most member at present.
Who Can Replace Agarkar
The BCCI has invited applications specifically from the West Zone to fill Agarkar's position. Candidates must have played at least 7 Tests, 30 first-class matches, 10 ODIs, and 20 additional first-class games, and must have retired from international cricket at least five years ago. The deadline for applications is 14 October 2026.
The new selector's responsibilities will include long-term squad planning, talent identification, monitoring domestic cricket, and participation in strategy meetings — a mandate that signals the BCCI's focus on building sustained depth beyond the current golden run.
What Comes Next
The search for Agarkar's permanent successor comes at a pivotal juncture, as India navigates a fresh cycle of squad building with an eye on upcoming ICC events. The incoming chairman will inherit strong momentum but face the challenge of sustaining it amid generational transitions across formats. All eyes are now on who the BCCI names before the 14 October deadline passes.
Point of View
But the BCCI's urgency in opening applications immediately suggests the board is wary of a selection vacuum at a critical squad-building moment. Three ICC trophies in one tenure is extraordinary, yet credit for on-field success is almost always contested — coaches, captains and players will rightly claim a larger share. The real test for whoever replaces Agarkar is not riding existing momentum but navigating the generational shift that is now visibly underway across formats. The West Zone-only search also raises a quiet question: is the BCCI's zonal rotation system the best way to find the most qualified candidate?
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ajit Agarkar's tenure as BCCI chief selector end?
Agarkar's tenure officially ended on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, after the BCCI invited applications to fill the vacant position. He had served as chairman of the senior men's selection committee since July 2023.
What did India win under Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chief selector?
India won three ICC trophies — the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2026 T20 World Cup — as well as two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals during Agarkar's tenure. The national side also reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final.
Who is the acting chairman of the BCCI selection committee after Agarkar?
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken charge as acting chairman of the selection committee. He is currently the senior-most member of the panel, having played 24 Tests for India, which qualifies him for the role under BCCI protocol.
Who can apply to replace Ajit Agarkar as BCCI chief selector?
The BCCI is inviting applications from the West Zone. Candidates must have played at least 7 Tests, 30 first-class matches, 10 ODIs, and 20 first-class games, and must have retired from international cricket at least five years ago. The deadline for applications is 14 October 2026.
What will the new BCCI chief selector's responsibilities include?
The new selector will be responsible for long-term squad planning, talent identification, monitoring domestic cricket, and participating in strategy meetings. The role places a particular emphasis on building sustained depth in Indian cricket.
