Agarkar’s future to be decided in ‘appropriate time’, says BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said no decision had been taken on Ajit Agarkar's future as chairman of selectors, noting that his contract expires on October 4. Saikia also denied requests to shift the Ranchi Test and discussed junior selectors

Mumbai:  BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday offered no clear answer on the future of chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar but said that “15 days is a long time in the world of cricket”.

Agarkar held his last selection meeting of his current term in New Delhi on Wednesday, and his contract expires on October 4.

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“We still have fifteen days to go. Fifteen days is a long time in the world of cricket. We will take a decision at the appropriate time and we will let you know about it. Today, there was no discussion on any individual,” Saikia told reporters at the BCCI headquarters after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.

There have been reports of Agarkar growing distant from the BCCI over issues related to fitness and scheduling ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speculation grew after he remained absent from the all-important BCCI review meeting of the England tour.

With the New Zealand series involving the A team and senior team beginning in a month, the BCCI will have to take a decision. Several former players have also backed continuity, saying Agarkar should be allowed to continue, citing the team’s white-ball performance over the last three years.

However, there is also a section that wants him replaced. As of now, the BCCI is yet to find a candidate of sufficient stature to take over as chairman of selectors ahead of a World Cup year, when sensitive decisions concerning the futures of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be taken.

No request to shift venue of BGT Test in Ranchi

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also denied media reports about a possible change of venue for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Ranchi.

The Test is scheduled from February 19 to 23, and there have been reports in the media that the Indian team management does not want to play in Ranchi.

“There are six months left. We will take a call after a few days. We haven’t received any such requests as of now about change of venue of Ranchi Test,” Saikia said.

Saikia said the new junior selection committee would soon be formed after the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) interviews candidates for the positions.

“We have received a large number of applicants for the junior selection committee, which we will give to our cricket committee, which will be competent to select the selectors. We will be trying to complete the process in the next 10-15 days,” he said.

Assam’s Subhadeep Ghosh gets short-term contract

Former Assam Ranji Trophy player Subhadeep Ghosh, who became the Indian team’s fielding coach following the departure of T Dilip, has been appointed on a short-term basis, Saikia said.

“Indian men’s team fielding coach (Subhadeep Ghosh) has been appointed for a short time but we will be assessing his performance (for a longer stint),” Saikia said.

His assessment is expected to take place after the New Zealand tour. If found satisfactory, he could continue until the end of the ODI World Cup in South Africa.