Former Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar is set to assume the position of chairman of the senior selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The position has been vacant since February 17, when ex-fast bowler Chetan Sharma resigned following a sting operation controversy.
BCCI officials approached Agarkar and offered to increase the annual salary of the chief selector, presently set at Rs 1 crore. Prompted by the promise of inflated remuneration, Agarkar decided to apply for the position. Interestingly, when Agarkar had previously applied for the selector’s post in 2020, the BCCI did not select him.
Agarkar quit his role as assistant coach of the Delhi Capitals IPL team on Thursday in preparation for his new responsibilities. The remaining members of the selection panel receive an annual salary of Rs 90 lakh each.
In a move to draw qualified candidates, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to revise the annual salary of the chief selector. Former players who meet the eligibility criteria have been reluctant to apply for the position due to better-paying opportunities in fields such as studio experts and commentary.
Ajit Agarkar, the former captain of Mumbai, has appeared as a candidate for the position. Agarkar has an impressive cricketing career, having played 26 Tests, 191 ODIs, and four T20s for the Indian national team. He was also a member of the victorious 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, led by MS Dhoni. Currently, the senior selection committee comprises Salil Ankola, Sridharan Sharath, Subroto Banerjee, and Shiv Sundar Das, who temporarily took over the role of chairman after Chetan Sharma resigned in February.
In Addition
In order to be eligible for the position of selector, a candidate must fulfill certain criteria set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). These requirements comprise having played a minimum of seven Test matches or 30 First-Class matches, or 10 One Day International matches and 20 First-Class matches.
Additionally, the candidate must have retired from the game at least five years prior to applying. It is essential to note that individuals who have been members of any Cricket Committee, as defined in the Rules and Regulations of BCCI and Memorandum of Association, for a cumulative period of five years are not eligible to be part of the Men’s Selection Committee.
Chetan Sharma, the former chairman of the senior selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was reportedly caught in a sting operation conducted by Zee News.
In the sting operation, Sharma was allegedly heard suggesting that Indian players were using injections to maintain their fitness. He also asserted that Hardik Pandya, who has been leading the Indian team in T20Is since the T20 World Cup, frequently visited his house. Following Team India’s exit in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup in November, the BCCI made significant modifications to the entire selection panel, and Sharma was reappointed in January of this year.
Source: Times of India
