BCCI Invites Applications for West Zone Selector Post After Ajit Agarkar’s Exit

Following Ajit Agarkar’s exit from the BCCI selection panel, the Board has invited applications to fill the vacant West Zone position. The selection committee follows a zonal structure with representatives from the North, South, East, West and Central zones. With Agarkar’s tenure ending, former cricketers from Mumbai, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Baroda, Maharashtra and Vidarbha are eligible to apply. The current panel includes Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, RP Singh and interim chairman Pragyan Ojha. Applicants must meet prescribed playing-experience criteria and must have retired from cricket at least five years ago. The deadline for applications is October 14 at 5 pm, after which shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

The appointment is also significant because the new West Zone member could influence the choice of the full-time chief selector. Pragyan Ojha, currently serving as interim chairman, is among the contenders. However, if the new appointee has greater international playing experience, the BCCI could consider that candidate for the top position. Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, who played 25 Tests, is among the names being discussed, while former all-rounder Irfan Pathan and Mumbai opener Wasim Jaffer are also reportedly in contention. Zaheer Khan’s name has also surfaced, although his recent appointment as CSK head coach could make his entry into the selection panel less likely.