NEW DELHI: The BCCI's selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar may have faced the wrath of former players and fans after the announcement of the Asia Cup squad, but the board appears to have faith in him, as his contract has been extended until June 2026, The Indian Express reported.
India have enjoyed significant success during his tenure, which began in June 2023, ending the drought of ICC titles by winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Team India also reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final at home.
The report also stated that the BCCI renewed Agarkar's contract ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).
"Under his tenure the Indian team had won titles and had seen transition (of the Tests and T20) too. The BCCI had extended his contract till June 2026 and he had accepted the offer a few months back," a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
Agarkar faced heavy criticism after ignoring Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal from India’s 15-member Asia Cup squad. But he clarified during a press conference that Iyer's omission was neither the player's fault nor that of the selectors.
"In terms of Shreyas, it's again unfortunate. You tell me who he can replace in this squad. It's not his fault, nor ours - it's just that only 15 can be picked, and at the moment, he has to wait for his chances," Agarkar said.
He also shed light on the decision to leave Yashasvi Jaiswal out of India's Asia Cup squad, stressing that it was driven by squad balance and recent form rather than any shortcomings on Jaiswal's part.
"With regards to Yashasvi, it's unfortunate again. Abhishek Sharma has been outstanding over the past few months with the team, and he also gives us a bowling option. One of them was always going to miss out, and unfortunately, Yashasvi has to wait for his chances," Agarkar told the reporters in a press conference.
