Asia Cup 2025: Ajit Agarkar-led India men's selection committee to witness two changes

The Ajit Agarkar-led senior men’s selection committee is likely to see some changes just ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inviting applications for two new selectors. The announcement, made through a press release on Friday, has triggered discussions around who could make way and who may step in.

The BCCI has opened its doors to fresh applicants, with the deadline set for September 10, 5 PM IST. As per rules, candidates must have retired from cricket for at least five years and should have played a minimum of seven Tests or 30 first-class matches, or ten ODIs and 20 first-class games. Moreover, they must not have served on any BCCI cricket committee for a cumulative period of more than five years.

While zonal representation is no longer mandatory, it has traditionally influenced the selection process. Reports suggest that the upcoming changes are not a result of performance reviews but rather adjustments in roles and responsibilities within the committee.

Pragyan Ojha reportedly to be added in selection committee

Currently, the five-member senior selection committee includes chairman Ajit Agarkar, Ajay Ratra, Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Bannerjee, and S. Sharath. With Agarkar’s contract extended until September 2026, covering the next T20 World Cup, his role as chief selector remains secure. The two vacancies are expected to come from the South and Central zones.

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been reported as the frontrunner to replace outgoing selector Sridharan Sharath, who is likely to return as chairman of the junior selection panel, a position he previously held. Meanwhile, Subroto Bannerjee, representing the Central Zone, is also set to be replaced. Shiv Sundar Das and Ajay Ratra, however, are expected to continue in their current roles.

Sharath’s exit from the senior panel is being viewed as a restructuring rather than a demotion. According to the source, BCCI is dissatisfied with the performance of the current junior selection committee, headed by Thilak Naidu. Sharath’s experience and past success with the junior structure make him the natural choice to return as its head.

The Agarkar-led panel has watched India lift the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and reach the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The committee also played a role in handing Shubman Gill as Test captain following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest format.

Interestingly, the women’s selection committee, led by Neetu David, is also set for a revamp with four members completing their terms. Only Shyama Shaw, inducted in 2023, is likely to continue.