In April 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially extended the contract of Ajit Agarkar as the Chairman of the Senior Men's Selection Committee until June 2027. Agarkar, who initially took charge in July 2023, was rewarded for his successful tenure, which included India winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. This extension ensures continuity in team selection leading up to the highly anticipated 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a significant contract extension for Ajit Agarkar, the Chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee. His tenure, which was set to be reviewed, has been firmly extended through to June 2027.
The announcement was made by the BCCI in April 2026. The extension guarantees Agarkar's leadership through the next major ICC 50-over event, the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in Africa.
The BCCI's Senior Men's Selection Committee comprises five members, one from each of the five cricketing zones in India (North, South, East, West, Central). The Chairman is selected based on seniority—specifically, the highest number of Test matches played. Agarkar (26 Tests) is the most capped player on the current panel.
For sports and current affairs sections in exams (especially SSC, Banking, and State PSCs), appointments in major national sports bodies are frequent questions. Continuity in the selection committee is crucial for team building and long-term strategy, especially after India's historic T20 World Cup win in 2024.
Agarkar took over the role in July 2023 under turbulent circumstances, replacing Chetan Sharma, who had to step down following a media sting operation. Agarkar brought stability and a decisive approach, heavily backing younger players in the T20 format while managing the transition of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in white-ball cricket.
The major highlight of Agarkar's first term was selecting the squad that successfully ended India's ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June 2024.
Agarkar's primary focus will now shift to identifying and grooming talent for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He will also oversee the delicate transition phase of the Indian Test team as several senior players approach the twilight of their careers.
Q1. Who is the current Chairman of the BCCI Senior Men's Selection Committee, whose contract was recently extended until June 2027?
A) Sourav Ganguly
B) Chetan Sharma
C) Ajit Agarkar
D) VVS Laxman
Answer: C
Explanation: Ajit Agarkar was retained as the Chief Selector by the BCCI until June 2027.
Q2. The BCCI Senior Men's Selection Committee consists of how many members?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 7
Answer: C
Explanation: The committee comprises five members, representing the five different cricketing zones in India.
Q3. According to BCCI rules, who among the five members is appointed as the Chairperson of the Senior Men's Selection Committee?
A) The oldest member by age.
B) The member who has played the highest number of Test matches.
C) The member nominated directly by the BCCI President.
D) The member who has scored the most runs in domestic cricket.
Answer: B
Explanation: The senior-most Test cap from among the members of the committee is appointed as the Chairperson.
Q4. The primary reason for extending Ajit Agarkar's contract until June 2027 is to maintain continuity for which major upcoming tournament?
A) 2026 T20 World Cup
B) 2027 ICC Champions Trophy
C) 2027 ICC ODI World Cup
D) 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Answer: C
Explanation: The extension was granted to ensure stability leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
For banking and SSC exams, you only need to remember "Ajit Agarkar", his role (Chief Selector), and the year his contract ends (2027). You do not need to memorize his career statistics (like the number of wickets or runs).