India's Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar intends to step down; BCCI reviews future of the post

The question of extending Ajit Agarkar's term or appointing a new chairman from the Indian cricket selection committee did not receive a final answer at the 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which took place on Friday. Members of the regional associations left the decision on this matter to the discretion of the board officials.

After the meeting, one senior BCCI official stated that the officials were authorized to make decisions regarding the selection committees. BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla also confirmed that the further decision regarding the selection committee would be made by the board management.

As Agarkar's current term is drawing to a close, his future was actively discussed before the AGM. However, after the meeting, the board did not specify whether Agarkar would receive an extension or if he would be assigned to a new person. Thus, the decision regarding Agarkar is postponed for now, and the issue is not closed; the BCCI management will determine the next steps.

Issues with the junior selection committee

The BCCI faces not only the issue of the senior selection committee. The board also needs to fill all five positions in the junior selection committee. After the officials were granted authority on matters related to the selection committees, they will also be responsible for advancing this process.

Agarkar became the chairman of the men's senior selection committee in July 2023, and his place on the five-member committee was maintained for the 2025 AGM.

Arun Dumal remains in IPL leadership

The AGM also concluded the process concerning IPL leadership. It was decided that Arun Singh Dumal would remain in the IPL leadership. During this time, the Mumbai Cricket Association requested the BCCI to allocate additional major matches to its venue.

Sourav Ganguly and Venkatesh Prasad attended

Representatives from the board's regional associations were present at the 95th BCCI AGM. Among them were former Indian team captain Sourav Ganguly and former fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad.

Now all attention is focused on what decision the BCCI officials will make regarding the Agarkar case. Instead of making a decision at the AGM itself, it has delegated responsibility for the next step to the officials.

10 important decisions at the BCCI AGM: from IPL to umpire fees

The 95th BCCI Annual General Meeting took place on September 18, 2026, at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Many important decisions related to Indian cricket were made at the meeting.

1. Two representatives from the general body—Arun Singh Dumal and M. Hayrul Jamal Majumdar—were included in the IPL leadership.

2. The general body approved the audited reports of the BCCI for the financial year 2025-26.

3. The BCCI's annual budget for the financial year 2026-27 was also approved.

4. Auditors were appointed for the financial year 2026-27.

5. A unanimous decision was made to celebrate the 20th season of the IPL on a grand scale in 2027.

6. BCCI will celebrate its centenary in 2028. The AGM decided to begin preparations for the centenary, which will start in December 2027 and last throughout 2028.

7. An increase in the remuneration system for umpires and match referees, as well as changes in their grades, was approved.

8. A new internal committee was formed under the BCCI's policy on preventing sexual harassment.

9. Changes were made and the updated BCCI age verification policy was approved.

10. The general body discussed ensuring the best conditions and necessary resources for cricketers with disabilities in cooperation with regional cricket associations to promote their development and progress.

Discussions about potential player trades ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 mini-auction have intensified, sparking numerous speculations regarding the future of Delhi Capitals' star batsman, KL Rahul. However, Rahul himself has dispelled these assumptions by providing his response.

Parta Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, previously posted on the social media platform X, highly praising KL Rahul and calling him a 'key player' for the team, while also mentioning the completion of unfinished work together. In response to this post, KL Rahul wrote: 'Thank you, looking forward to the next season.'

This response is considered quite significant as it indicates that he will continue to play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2027 and remain part of the franchise in the upcoming season.

KL Rahul joined Delhi Capitals before the start of IPL 2025, when the franchise acquired him for a sum of 14 crore rupees. His performance for Delhi has been impressive: in IPL 2025, he scored 539 runs, and his form continued in the 2026 season, where he earned 593 runs. Thus, over the first two seasons with Delhi Capitals, Rahul consistently scored over 500 runs, highlighting his importance to the team.

Before moving to Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul had managed the Punjab Kings, and subsequently led Lucknow Super Giants for three consecutive seasons. Under his leadership, Lucknow showed good results in many matches, although they were unable to win the IPL title. After this, Rahul moved to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.

The confirmation from Parta Jindal and Rahul's reply clearly show that his journey in Delhi continues. Meanwhile, trade discussions are intensifying because some major players have already switched teams. For instance, Rishabh Pant returned to Delhi Capitals, and Kuldeep Yadav transferred to Lucknow Super Giants as part of an official trade.

The future of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians is also being discussed. According to reports, no specific deals involving Hardik have been presented yet. Therefore, the probability that he will remain with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2027 remains.

Discussions regarding the player selection process began after the announcement of the Indian team's squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Former Indian player S. Badri Nat raised questions concerning the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team. Furthermore, he indirectly pointed to head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Badri Nat shared his opinion on the selection, casting doubt on the consistent support received by Sundar. On his YouTube channel, he noted that it seems like the 'coach's favourite' has returned once again. Badri Nat advised Sundar to take advantage of this trust.

Badri Nat's implied hint was directed at the team management and, specifically, the coaching staff. However, he did not level direct accusations against Gautam Gambhir.

Badri Nat also spoke about Nitish Kumar Reddy, focusing his criticism on his bowling performance. He stated that he does not rate Nitish highly, and the reason for this is his bowling. In Badri Nat's view, Nitish is fundamentally a batter, not a all-rounder who should be highly valued for his bowling skills. Thus, Badri Nat's objection is more related to Nitish's bowling abilities than his batting.

Washington and Nitish were included in the Indian team's 15-man squad for the T20I matches against Afghanistan. The first match of the series is scheduled for September 13 in Delhi. This series takes place during a period when the Indian team is making several changes ahead of defending its gold medalist status at the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan at the end of this month.

The series against Afghanistan is also considered important for assessing the team composition and testing the players. Alongside the criticism of the selection, Badri Nat expressed satisfaction with the possible return of Jasprit Bumrah to the Indian team, calling it positive news. Bumrah has been included in the squad for the series against Afghanistan, but his participation depends on receiving clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Additionally, Harshit Rana was included in the team. The participation of Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana in the series depends on passing the respective medical examinations. The first match of the three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan will take place on September 13 in Delhi. In this series, the Indian team will be preparing for the Asian Games, while everyone will be watching for Bumrah's possible return. Nevertheless, the selection of players like Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy has already caused heated debate before the start of the series.