BCCI Opens Applications for National Selector.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently opened applications for a national selector’s position, a move that has set the cricket community abuzz with speculation. The deadline for applications is set for January 25, and the criteria for eligibility are quite stringent. Prospective candidates must have played a minimum of either seven Tests or 30 first-class games, or in another combination, 10 One Day International (ODI) matches and 20 first-class games. Additionally, candidates must have been retired from the game for at least five years.
This development comes amid talks of reshuffling within the BCCI’s existing five-member selection committee. Salil Ankola, representing the West Zone and a former cricketer from Mumbai, is perceived as the most likely member to be replaced. This speculation stems from the presence of Ajit Agarkar, also from Mumbai, who currently holds the position of chief selector, thus potentially disrupting the traditional national outlook of the panel.
Ajit Agarkar, a former India all-rounder, assumed the role of chief selector in July last year, succeeding Chetan Sharma who resigned in February 2023 following a sting operation. Since Sharma’s departure, the North Zone has been unrepresented on the selection committee. This gap is anticipated to be filled by the new appointee, with the focus shifting towards bringing in a representative from the North Zone.
The BCCI’s constitution does not explicitly require that selectors represent different zones. However, this practice has been historically adhered to for operational convenience, and having two selectors from the same city and association, as is currently the case with Mumbai, is uncommon in the history of the BCCI and its selection committee.
Insider sources initially suggested the possibility of replacing more than one selector. However, the Indian cricket team’s recent successes, including an exceptional performance in the World Cup and a commendable series against South Africa, have led to the decision that a major overhaul might be impractical at this time. Therefore, the focus has narrowed down to replacing Ankola, driven by pressure from the North Zone associations. The appointment of the new selector is expected to be finalized by the first week of February.
The current senior men’s selection committee, responsible for the Indian cricket team’s lineup, has recently named a 16-man squad for the first two Tests against England, set to begin in Hyderabad on January 25. Following the second Test in Vizag, the committee will announce the squad for the remaining three Tests. This selection process comes just ahead of IPL 2024, scheduled to start in March, and the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA in June, highlighting the crucial role of the national selectors in shaping the team’s future. (BCCI Opens Applications for National Selector)
