BCCI invites applications for men's selection committee vacancy after Ajit Agarkar's exit

Ajit Agarkar (Pic: File)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially called for applications on Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the men's selection committee, following the departure of Ajit Agarkar, who also served as chairman of the five-member panel. Agarkar's tenure concluded on October 4, after the former India fast bowler notified the board during its Annual General Meeting on September 18 that he would decline an extension.

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has stepped in as the interim chairman of selectors, working alongside remaining panel members Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, and RP Singh. Outlining the recruitment timeline, the board announced,

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invites applications for one position on its Men's Selection Committee," the BCCI said on its website.

Applicants face an application deadline of October 14. While Ojha, who played 24 Tests, could potentially transition into the full-time chairmanship based on seniority, speculation surrounds former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, whose 25 Test appearances would place him ahead in the seniority hierarchy if appointed.

BCCI's criteria for selection process

To qualify, candidates must satisfy the BCCI's established criteria: playing a minimum of 7 Tests, 30 First-Class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 First-Class matches, alongside being retired from professional cricket for at least five years. Furthermore, eligibility restrictions dictate that:

"Any person who has been a member of any Cricket Committee, as defined in the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations of the BCCI, for a cumulative period of five years will not be eligible to be a member of the Men's Selection Committee," the BCCI stated.

The board has shifted away from the strict rule of appointing one selector from each zone, occasionally allowing multiple selectors from the same region. The successful candidate's primary responsibilities will include scouting domestic and international talent, building robust bench strength, selecting the optimal national squad, attending team meetings, travelling to matches, providing quarterly performance evaluations to the Apex Council, and interacting with the media regarding squad selections.

India will tour New Zealand next, which will be followed by a home series against Australia at the end of the new year.