BCCI to Decide on Ajit Agarkar's Future in 15 Days Amid AGM Discussions

BCCI's Upcoming Decisions on Selection Committee

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 18: Devajit Saikia, the Secretary of the BCCI, announced on Friday that a decision regarding the chairman of the men's senior selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, will be made within the next two weeks. He clarified that no specific discussions about individuals occurred during the 95th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

After the AGM held at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, Saikia mentioned that there is still time before Agarkar's term concludes next month.

“No specific discussions were held today regarding any individual. We have 15 days left, which is significant in cricket. We will make a decision and inform you at the right time,” he stated.

Updates on Sports Act and New Positions

Saikia also addressed the BCCI's plans concerning the Sports Act, indicating that actions will be taken once the relevant authorities complete their processes and issue the necessary notifications. He mentioned that the board will soon post an advertisement for the vacant Sports Science Head position.

“Our position on the Sports Act is clear. Several steps need to be finalized by the relevant authorities. Once the BCCI is recognized under the Sports Act, we will act accordingly. Until then, we cannot proceed. We will clarify on October 27 when the case is next scheduled,” he added.

Fielding Coach Appointment and Junior Selection Committee

Regarding Subhadeep Ghosh's appointment as India's fielding coach, Saikia noted that it is a short-term role, and his performance will be assessed before any decisions on extending his contract are made.

“He has been appointed temporarily, and we will review his performance. He is also part of our Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. We will decide on extending his tenure based on feedback from the team management,” Saikia explained.

On the Junior Selection Committee, he mentioned that the BCCI has received numerous applications and is in the process of shortlisting candidates to present to the Cricket Advisory Committee.

Future Events and Age Verification Policies

Saikia confirmed that there have been no proposals to change the venue for the upcoming fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series scheduled for February at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

“There are still several months to go. We have not received any requests regarding issues with the Ranchi Test,” he stated.

He also mentioned that the IPL window was discussed in the last Governing Council meeting, with the tournament set to commence in the last week of March.

“The IPL window was discussed, and it will start in the last week of March,” Saikia confirmed.

In light of recent age-fraud incidents, the BCCI has updated its age-verification policies and issued new standard operating procedures for state associations.

Asia Cup Trophies and AGM Highlights

Saikia expressed hope that the Asia Cup trophies for both the men's and women's teams will arrive soon, although he did not provide a specific timeline.

“We expect the Asia Cup trophies to arrive shortly. I cannot give a strict timeline, but I assure you they will be placed at the BCCI headquarters,” he said.

During the AGM, routine constitutional matters were addressed, including the approval of accounts and the budget for the upcoming year.

“Our 95th AGM took place today, where we discussed various matters, including the adoption of accounts and the budget for the next year,” Saikia noted.

Plans for IPL's 20th Edition and Support for Differently-Abled Cricketers

Saikia announced plans to celebrate the 20th edition of the IPL in 2027 and initiate a year-long centenary celebration starting in December 2027.

“We will celebrate our centenary in December 2028, and discussions were held regarding the grand organization of the 17th IPL edition in the coming months,” he added.

The AGM also focused on measures to support differently-abled cricketers through appropriate facilities and resources.

Pending Matters Regarding Associate Membership

Saikia mentioned that the issue of associate membership for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Cricket Association is currently pending due to a recent legal application.

“We formed a committee to review the affiliation request, but we have kept the matter pending as it has become subjudice,” he concluded.