The BCCI has increased its budget for the national selection committees by Rs 5 crore as it looks to attract prominent former cricketers for key roles, even as the search for Ajit Agarkar’s replacement as chief selector remains unresolved.
The application deadline for the vacant West Zone position ended on Wednesday, with former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, widely tipped to take over from Agarkar, choosing not to apply. Pragyan Ojha, who has been serving as interim chairman, could therefore continue in the role while the board weighs its options.
According to a report in The Times of India, the BCCI’s expenditure on selection committees reached Rs 17.45 crore after exceeding the annual budget by Rs 3 crore. The board has allocated Rs 19.35 crore for the 2026-27 financial year, an increase of around Rs 2 crore over the previous allocation. The revised provision represents a Rs 5 crore rise in the overall budget compared with the earlier figure.
The increased allocation comes amid the board’s preference for candidates with substantial international experience. The report said the BCCI had approached a couple of former cricketers who had played close to 100 Tests, but both declined the offer. Recent appointments to the men’s selection committee have also involved negotiations over remuneration.
Laxman’s role and the road to the World Cup
Parthiv’s decision has fuelled speculation that VVS Laxman, head of the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, could have a greater say in selection matters, with Ojha continuing as chairman. However, the board has not announced any change to the existing arrangement.
A BCCI source told The Times of India that the board would have preferred Agarkar to remain in the role until the 2027 ODI World Cup. His departure means a new chairman could bring a different approach to team selection, forcing the board to consider whether a change in leadership would disrupt the current direction.
With the World Cup less than a year away, the BCCI could either take more time to identify a suitable chief selector or appoint a candidate primarily to fill the vacant West Zone position.
The board must also decide the future of selector SS Das, whose four-year tenure ends in December. According to the report, he could be retained until the World Cup to maintain continuity.
For now, the BCCI faces a balancing act: finding experienced selectors, offering competitive remuneration and maintaining stability ahead of a major tournament.
