Just two days after Asia Cup announcement, Indian selection committee to have shake up

Dubai: Indian cricket is bracing for a selection shake-up as the BCCI opens applications for its national panels, signalling a major restructuring just months before a crucial season and the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that two members of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee will be replaced, including South Zone selector Sridharan Sharath, who has completed his four-year term.

In a press release on Friday, the BCCI officially invited applications for positions across its national selection committees, including the high-profile Senior Men’s panel.

Eligibility criteria for the Senior Men’s committee include having played a minimum of seven Test matches, or 30 First-Class games, or a combination of 10 ODIs and 20 First-Class matches. Candidates must also have retired from professional cricket at least five years ago and must not have served on any BCCI cricket committee for a cumulative period of five years.

The announcement comes a day after reports surfaced of an extension of chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s contract as chief selector. With Sharath’s term ending, attention now turns to which other selector will make way. The current committee, led by Agarkar, comprises Shiv Sundar Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and former Tamil Nadu skipper Sharath. Ratra, appointed as North Zone selector last year, is expected to continue, leaving Das and Banerjee as likely candidates for replacement.

The BCCI has also opened applications for four positions on the Senior Women’s Selection Committee. Candidates must be former India women’s internationals and meet similar criteria regarding retirement and prior committee service. The women’s panel will oversee selections across formats and age groups and play a key role in shaping development programmes and the national team’s support structure.

Additionally, the board is looking to fill one vacancy on the Junior Men’s Selection Committee, responsible for age-group teams up to Under-22, organising junior tournaments, and maintaining a strong feeder system for the senior side. Eligible candidates must have played at least 25 First-Class matches and retired at least five years ago.

The BCCI’s move signals a significant reshuffle of its selection framework, as Indian cricket prepares for a busy and decisive season on and off the field.