With the hiring of former India great Ajit Agarkar, the long-unfilled position of chief selectors for the BCCI has finally been filled. The cricket board was under fire for failing to appoint a successor to Chetan Sharma, the outgoing chairman who left his position in February of this year.
Between 1998 and 2013, Agarkar participated in 26 Tests, 191 ODIs, and 4 T20Is for India.
The 45-year-old was selected for a job for the following five reasons:-
1. Millennial candidate
According to the article, the BCCI preferred a younger candidate who has experience managing the T20 cricket selection process.
2. Prior knowledge
After his playing career, Agarkar dabbled in coaching and commentary. Nevertheless, this is not his first duty as a selection. He previously served as the main selector for the Mumbai cricket team.
3. Smart reader
Agarkar, who claimed 349 wickets for India in a variety of formats, is also well-known for his cricketing intelligence. He most recently worked as a member of the support staff for Delhi Capitals, an IPL franchise.
4. Better pay and encouragement from a legend
The generally accepted belief is that the BCCI’s inability to recruit great players for the selector’s position is due to the pay it gives not being deemed adequate for such a demanding task is true.
The top selector receives a salary of Rs. 1 Crore every year, although Agarkar might make much more through his other obligations. It appears that the board approved raising the compensation to Rs. 3 Crore annually.
A cricket great also convinced Agarkar, who is now residing in London, to accept the position.
5. The sole candidate?
According to a report in Cricbuzz, the Cricket Advisory Committee only interviewed Agarkar. But according to BCCI’s official statement, the three-member CAC “interviewed applicants for the position of one selector.”