The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will announce a decision on the future of senior men's chief selector Ajit Agarkar within the next 15 days, Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Friday, 19 September 2026, following the conclusion of the 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai. Agarkar's current term expires on 4 October, leaving the BCCI a narrow window to act as India gears up for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup.

Agarkar's Tenure and What Is at Stake

Agarkar took charge as chief selector in July 2023 and has presided over one of India's most successful multi-format runs in recent memory. Under his watch, the national side reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final, lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup, claimed the 2025 Champions Trophy, and retained the T20 World Cup title on home soil earlier this year. That record makes the decision considerably more consequential than a routine contract renewal.

“Today, there has been no discussion about any individual. We still have 15 days to go. We will take a decision and in appropriate time, we will let you know,” Saikia told reporters after the AGM. The board’s restraint in not immediately confirming or denying an extension signals that internal deliberations are still in progress.

Domestic Umpires Get First Fee Hike Since 2017-18

In a significant administrative move, the BCCI approved a substantial revision of fees for domestic umpires and match referees — the first such enhancement since the 2017-18 season, a gap of nearly nine years. The board has simultaneously restructured the officiating categories from a four-tier system (A+, A, B, C) to a revised four-tier structure (A, B, C, D).

“All their fees per day has been enhanced substantially,” said Saikia. Alongside the pay revision, the BCCI introduced a merit-based promotion and demotion mechanism: the top 10 performing umpires at any level will be upgraded each cycle, while 10 underperforming officials at higher tiers will be downgraded. The move is aimed at building greater accountability across the officiating pipeline.

Ranchi Test Venue and Junior Selectors

Saikia also put to rest speculation about a possible venue change for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ranchi, scheduled from 19 to 23 February 2027. “We haven’t received any such requests as of now about the change of venue for the Ranchi Test,” he said, adding that a final call would be taken after a few days given the six months remaining before the fixture.

On the junior selection front, the board confirmed that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) will interview candidates for the new junior men’s selection committee, with the entire process targeted for completion within the next 10 to 15 days. “We have received a large number of applicants,” Saikia noted.

BCCI’s Position on the Central Sports Act

Addressing questions about the proposed Central Sports Act, Saikia clarified that the BCCI will not make any structural changes until an official notification is issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. “Whenever that notification comes, immediately, we will spring up in action. We will do our work as per the new rules,” he said. On related Supreme Court proceedings, he indicated the matter is next listed on 27 October, when the board will submit its clarification.

With Agarkar’s term set to lapse in under three weeks and the World Cup cycle well underway, the BCCI’s next fortnight promises to be pivotal for Indian cricket’s selection architecture.