New Delhi: Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has reportedly approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India seeking an extension of his tenure until the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The request comes soon after India’s triumph at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and follows a period of significant success for the national side in global tournaments.
Agarkar’s contract had earlier been extended by one year ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 season as recognition for India’s strong performances in international competitions. During that period, the team secured the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Discussions regarding his latest request are understood to be ongoing, although no formal decision has been announced.
Reports indicate that a former cricketer from India’s West Zone had previously emerged as a potential candidate to replace Agarkar, but no concrete developments have followed on that front. His request is believed to have been strategically timed, arriving shortly after India’s latest T20 World Cup victory.
Agarkar’s journey to the top selection role had earlier seen setbacks. When the position of chief selector became vacant during the 2020 to 2021 period, Chetan Sharma was chosen ahead of him despite Agarkar being an applicant. The opportunity eventually came in mid 2023 when he was appointed to lead the selection panel.
Since taking charge, Agarkar has overseen a period in which India reached four major ICC finals, including the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team secured multiple titles during this run, reinforcing the importance of selection strategies behind the scenes.
His tenure has been marked by bold decisions, including backing Suryakumar Yadav as a long term T20I captain ahead of Hardik Pandya and replacing the experienced Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain. Such calls often sparked debate but demonstrated a willingness to make difficult choices in shaping the team’s future.
Agarkar has worked alongside selectors including Pragyan Ojha, RP Singh, SS Das and Ajay Ratra, guiding squad selections that have helped India remain a dominant force in white ball cricket.
