BCCI yet to take a call, but Agarkar’s tenure likely to end in 15 days

Ajit Agarkar’s future as chairman of selectors appears increasingly bleak, although a definitive call has not been taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as of Friday. The obvious inference from the proceedings of Friday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the BCCI, however, is that Agarkar is unlikely to continue for too long. In all likelihood, his future would be sealed by month-end.

The office-bearers of the BCCI have been authorised to take a call on the matter and secretary Devajit Saikia said there is some more time left to decide. “We still have 15 days to go. Fifteen days is a long time in the world of cricket. We have time. We will make a decision and, at the appropriate time, we will let you know,” Saikia said after the conclusion of the AGM.

He elaborated on the point: “We know on which date he is retiring. His tenure is going to be over. There is still 15 days’ time left. So we will make a decision during this 15-day period.” Agarkar’s current contract is understood to be ending on October 4.

Agarkar's continuation has been the subject of intense speculation of late, despite BCCI playing down his recent absence from a review meeting held earlier this month to discuss India's performances on the tour of the UK. Questions over his position have particularly emerged since the Rohit Sharma episode ahead of the Lord's ODI, when the selectors reportedly informed the former captain that he was not in the team's plans, only for the BCCI to intervene.

Uncertainty over Agarkar started during the recent selection meeting in Delhi, where the India squads for the West Indies ODIs, the Irani Cup and the India A teams were picked. Sources said the meeting went ahead without any apparent disruption, but somewhere along the way, talk emerged that it could be his last meeting.

Should Agarkar’s tenure come to an end, it is unlikely BCCI will be able to appoint a new chairman immediately. The Board will have to follow the set process, beginning with an advertisement for the position, followed by interviews, meaning a replacement is likely to take some time. At least one month, if not more.

At this stage, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel looks the favourite to succeed Agarkar, while, in the interim, Pragyan Ojha, who has played more Tests than any of the other four selectors, could be given the role. But clarity will emerge only after 15 days, as Saikia remarked.

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