Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar has been appointed as the chairman of the senior men’s national selection committee, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), comprising Sulakshana Naik, Ashok Malhotra, and Jatin Paranjape, unanimously selected Agarkar for the position and recommended him as the Chairperson of the men’s selection committee.
Agarkar joins the existing India men’s selection panel, which includes Shiv Sunder Das, Salil Ankola, Subroto Banerjee, and S Sharath. The post of chief selector had been vacant since Chetan Sharma’s resignation in February following a sting operation conducted on him by an Indian television network.
Messages of congratulations poured in from the cricket community on social media to celebrate Agarkar’s appointment. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla congratulated Agarkar and expressed his hope that Indian cricket would reach new heights under his leadership.
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“Congratulations to Ajit Agarkar for becoming chairman of the senior selection committee. His wide experience and composed nature will help Indian cricket reach new heights. Thanks to the cricket advisory committee and BCCI secretary for their decision. @BCCI @JayShah @imAagarkar,” Shukla tweeted.
Congratulations to Ajit Agarkar for becoming chairman of the senior selection committee. His wide experience and cool nature will help Indian cricket to go at pinnacle. Thanks a lot to cricket advisory committee and secretary BCCI for the decision. @BCCI @JayShah @imAagarkar
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) July 4, 2023
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also extended his congratulations to his former teammate on being appointed as Team India’s chief selector. “Congratulations @imAagarkar on your new responsibility as the Chairman of the selection committee! I’m confident that you will play an impactful role in shaping the future of Indian cricket. Good luck, buddy,” Yuvraj tweeted.
Congratulations @imAagarkar on your new responsibility as the Chairman of the selection committee! I’m confident that you will play an impactful role in shaping the future of Indian cricket 🇮🇳 good luck buddy!
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 4, 2023
I will tell you one thing about Ajit Agarkar as selector. He will be diligent and honest. He might have strong opinions but they will come from a position of strength. I think it is a very good move.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 4, 2023
Ajit Agarkar takes the helm. 🫡
Congrats on being named Chairperson of #TeamIndia‘s Senior Men’s Team Selection Committee! 👏
Best wishes to the rest of the committee – Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola, Sridharan Sharath! 🤝
The task at hand comes with great… pic.twitter.com/rMqxZ82ItQ
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) July 4, 2023
According to PTI, it is expected that Agarkar will receive a higher remuneration than the current salary of Rs 1 crore allocated for the chairman of selectors.
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Reports suggest that the BCCI wants to complete the formalities of Agarkar’s appointment, following which he will preside over the selection committee meeting to pick the T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against the West Indies. “Agarkar is the only candidate who appeared for the interview. It was a virtual one as he is currently abroad on a family break,” a BCCI source informed PTI.
The report also mentioned that there is no prominent figure from the North Zone who possesses enough stature to assume the prestigious role. This is why the BCCI will break its longstanding tradition of appointing one selector from each of the five zones.
