Former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar is likely to take over as the next Chief Selector as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to increase the annual salary for the chairman of the selection committee. Earlier reports indicated that several prominent figures in Indian cricket were hesitant to apply for the position due to low remuneration.
The position had been vacant since former Chairman of Selectors, Chetan Sharma, resigned earlier this year following his involvement in a controversial sting operation. Sharma’s leaked revelations about Indian players and their selection led to his dismissal from the role.
In the interim, former Indian cricketer Shiv Sundar Das from the East Zone has been leading the selection committee. However, according to a report in the Indian Express, Agarkar is poised to become the next chairman after the BCCI assured him of a salary increase. Currently, the annual salary is set at one crore, with other members of the selection committee receiving INR 90 lakh per year.
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The report indicates that Agarkar has applied for the position and is the frontrunner due to a lack of prominent applicants. Agarkar recently ended his association with the Delhi Capitals, where he served as an assistant coach, further paving the way for his appointment as the next chief selector.
If media reports are correct, Ajit Agarkar can be a very good choice as selection committee chairman. An astute cricketing mind, he’s old enough to bring in the required experience and yet, young enough to blend with new-age cricket.
— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) June 30, 2023
Notably, Agarkar had previously applied for the role in 2020 but was not selected. If appointed, Agarkar will be joined by Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola, Sridharan Sharath, and Shiv Sundar Das on the selection committee.
There were widespread reports that several former cricketers, including Virender Sehwag, were unwilling to apply for the position as they could earn more through advertisements and commentary roles. To attract a prominent name from Indian cricket, the BCCI decided to increase the annual salary.
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Agarkar, who represented India in 26 Tests, 191 ODIs, and four T20 matches, was also part of India’s triumphant campaign in the 2007 T20 World Cup under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. The announcement of the Chairman of Selectors’ appointment is expected to be made during the Apex Council Meeting on July 7.
