In a highly anticipated development, former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar is on the brink of assuming the role of chairman of the senior selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The post has been vacant since February 17, following the resignation of former fast bowler Chetan Sharma amidst controversy surrounding a sting operation.
Agarkar was overlooked before
BCCI officials, recognizing Agarkar’s expertise and experience, have taken proactive steps to secure his services by promising to increase the annual salary of the chief selector, currently set at Rs 1 crore. Encouraged by this gesture, Agarkar made the decision to apply for the position, emerging as a prominent figure among the applicants. Notably, in 2020, the BCCI overlooked Agarkar’s application for the selector’s post, making this opportunity all the more significant.
Agarkar recently tendered his resignation as the assistant coach of the Delhi Capitals IPL team, making it evident that he is focused on this new responsibility. His acceptance of the role is poised to inject fresh energy and strategic acumen into the selection process.
Annual Salary revised
The BCCI’s decision to revise the annual salary for the chief selector stems from a recognition that former players who meet the criteria for the position have been reluctant to apply due to more lucrative income opportunities, such as commentary and studio appearances.
Ajit Agarkar’s cricketing journey is well-regarded, with the former Mumbai captain having represented India in 26 Test matches, 191 ODIs, and four T20s. He was an integral part of the triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team led by the iconic MS Dhoni.
Currently, the senior selection committee comprises Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola, Sridharan Sharath, and interim chairman Shiv Sundar Das, who stepped in following Sharma’s resignation earlier this year.
Applicants for the selector’s position must meet certain eligibility criteria, including playing a minimum of seven Test matches or 30 first-class matches or 10 One Day Internationals and 20 first-class matches. They should also have retired from the game at least five years prior to their application. Notably, individuals who have been members of any Cricket Committee as defined in the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations of the BCCI for a total of five years are ineligible for the role.
The saga surrounding Sharma’s resignation unfolded in the aftermath of a sting operation conducted by Zee News, in which Sharma was allegedly heard discussing Indian players’ use of injections to maintain fitness. Furthermore, he claimed that Hardik Pandya, the current captain of the Indian T20I team, was a frequent visitor to his residence. Following Team India’s exit in the T20 World Cup semifinals, the BCCI reshuffled the entire selection panel, only to reinstate Sharma in January before his subsequent resignation.
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