Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 20: Ajit Agarkar has not sought an extension of his tenure as chief selector, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dismissing reports of any such request.

A senior BCCI official clarified that Agarkar “doesn’t need to seek an extension,” noting that the selection committee functions as a sub-committee of the board and contracts are governed internally. Agarkar’s current term is set to end in September this year, after which a decision on continuation will be taken jointly by the BCCI secretary and Agarkar.

Agarkar, who took over as chairman of selectors in 2023, has overseen a successful period during which India clinched multiple ICC titles, including the T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025, and T20 World Cup 2026.

The selection panel, which includes SS Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Pragyan Ojha, has already shortlisted around 20 probable players for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Selectors will closely monitor these players during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), beginning March 28, with each member expected to attend matches at designated venues and track others remotely.

Sources indicated that the focus will remain on established ODI players rather than new breakout stars, with emphasis on performance and fitness ahead of the World Cup.

Among fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh are expected to form the core group alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya, while pacer Harshit Rana is likely to take longer to recover.