Indian Cricket stands at a crossroads, with talks about current chief selector Ajit Agarkar not wanting to extend his contract, which ends in 15 days. With reports of the BCCI heads trying to convince him to stay until the 2027 ODI World Cup, board secretary Devajit Saikia said 15 days is a long time in the cricket world, and that the decision on Agarkar’s future will be made at the right time.&nbsp;BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday morning may have decided on Agarkar’s future, but no details were shared during the media interaction.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ajit-agarkar-wants-to-quit-as-chief-selector-informs-bcci-1789747771278">Ajit Agarkar wants to quit as chief selector, informs BCCI</a>&nbsp;“There’s still 15 days left (for Agarkar to complete his term)...15 days is a long time in the world of cricket. We have 15 days; we will take a decision in appropriate time, we will let you know about it,” Saikia said to the media.&nbsp;Earlier reports stated that BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had said that the ‘office-bearers have been authorised to decide on the senior men’s selection committee.’&nbsp;Meanwhile, if recent developments are to be believed, Team India’s squad selection for the home white-ball series against the West Indies was Agarkar’s last in charge as the head of the men’s selection committee.&nbsp;The board will advertise for the position, followed by interviews, with the whole exercise likely to take some time. In the meantime, the BCCI could appoint an interim chief selector, if the need arises, and former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha, having played 24 Tests, leads the race owing to test seniority.&nbsp;The BCCI, however, has started to prepare for life after Agarkar, with several names likely doing the rounds. Ex-India keeper-batter Parthiv Patel is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar for the role. On the other hand, VVS Laxman, who often fills in for head coach Gautam Gambhir, was the board’s first choice, but reports suggest that he wasn’t keen on taking up the responsibility.&nbsp;Laxman is the head of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and wishes to continue overseeing that role.<h3>BCCI Meet Absence Indicated Agarkar’s Exit</h3>Agarkar was not part of BCCI’s recently concluded high-profile meeting in Mumbai, which eventually dropped the biggest hint that he has made up his mind. The meeting was attended by the two Indian captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, board secretary Saikia, Laxman and even Gambhir.&nbsp;Although Saikia had then dismissed his absence by saying that Agarkar was out of town and in no internet zone for personal reasons, the BCCI’s official remarks indicated the separation.&nbsp;“It wasn’t that the meeting was decided upon within 48 hours. The chief selector missing such an important conclave where the way forward for Indian cricket was discussed doesn’t make sense,” a BCCI official said. “You have got to be indifferent to what’s happening around to miss such an occasion, and Agarkar is not the sort to do so. He had his plans in place and so skipped it.”<h3>What led to Agarkar’s departure?</h3>Agarkar’s tenure as the chief selector coincided with Indian Cricket’s glorious years, when they won two T20 World Cups and an ICC Champions Trophy, all in the space of three years; however, like how all good things come to an end, so did his tenure.&nbsp;What possibly triggered it was Rohit Sharma’s retirement episode during the UK tour this year, when several reports claimed that the Indian veteran would retire after the final ODI at Lord’s, where he smashed a brilliant hundred in a losing cause.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addresses Ajit Agarkar’s future as chief selector ahead of his contract deadline. Read the latest updates and contenders.

Indian Cricket stands at a crossroads, with talks about current chief selector Ajit Agarkar not wanting to extend his contract, which ends in 15 days. With reports of the BCCI heads trying to convince him to stay until the 2027 ODI World Cup, board secretary Devajit Saikia said 15 days is a long time in the cricket world, and that the decision on Agarkar’s future will be made at the right time. BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday morning may have decided on Agarkar’s future, but no details were shared during the media interaction. Also read| Ajit Agarkar wants to quit as chief selector, informs BCCI “There’s still 15 days left (for Agarkar to complete his term)...15 days is a long time in the world of cricket. We have 15 days; we will take a decision in appropriate time, we will let you know about it,” Saikia said to the media. Earlier reports stated that BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had said that the ‘office-bearers have been authorised to decide on the senior men’s selection committee.’ Meanwhile, if recent developments are to be believed, Team India’s squad selection for the home white-ball series against the West Indies was Agarkar’s last in charge as the head of the men’s selection committee. The board will advertise for the position, followed by interviews, with the whole exercise likely to take some time. In the meantime, the BCCI could appoint an interim chief selector, if the need arises, and former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha, having played 24 Tests, leads the race owing to test seniority. The BCCI, however, has started to prepare for life after Agarkar, with several names likely doing the rounds. Ex-India keeper-batter Parthiv Patel is the frontrunner to replace Agarkar for the role. On the other hand, VVS Laxman, who often fills in for head coach Gautam Gambhir, was the board’s first choice, but reports suggest that he wasn’t keen on taking up the responsibility. Laxman is the head of BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and wishes to continue overseeing that role. BCCI Meet Absence Indicated Agarkar’s Exit Agarkar was not part of BCCI’s recently concluded high-profile meeting in Mumbai, which eventually dropped the biggest hint that he has made up his mind. The meeting was attended by the two Indian captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, board secretary Saikia, Laxman and even Gambhir. Although Saikia had then dismissed his absence by saying that Agarkar was out of town and in no internet zone for personal reasons, the BCCI’s official remarks indicated the separation. “It wasn’t that the meeting was decided upon within 48 hours. The chief selector missing such an important conclave where the way forward for Indian cricket was discussed doesn’t make sense,” a BCCI official said. “You have got to be indifferent to what’s happening around to miss such an occasion, and Agarkar is not the sort to do so. He had his plans in place and so skipped it.” What led to Agarkar’s departure? Agarkar’s tenure as the chief selector coincided with Indian Cricket’s glorious years, when they won two T20 World Cups and an ICC Champions Trophy, all in the space of three years; however, like how all good things come to an end, so did his tenure. What possibly triggered it was Rohit Sharma’s retirement episode during the UK tour this year, when several reports claimed that the Indian veteran would retire after the final ODI at Lord’s, where he smashed a brilliant hundred in a losing cause.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addresses Ajit Agarkar’s future as chief selector ahead of his contract deadline. Read the latest updates and contenders.

Ajit Agarkar’s future as chief selector to be decided at right time, says BCCI secretary

Following reports that the BCCI is mulling starting IPL 2027 earlier to beat the harsh summer heat, the board’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, also confirmed that there are no plans to expand the number of league games from 74 to 94 each season anytime soon due to a packed international calendar. Since increasing the number of teams from eight to 10 in 2022, the BCCI has planned to expand its window and, with that, the number of matches. &nbsp; As things stand, each IPL team faces a set of opponents twice and others just once under the current setup, but they had planned to introduce a full-scale round-robin format during 94 matches per season. However, this idea and its execution come with their own set of challenges, and understanding those, Saikia explained why it is not possible in the foreseeable future.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-eyes-march-10-start-for-ipl-2027-to-beat-harsh-summer-heat-and-monsoons-1781773675247">BCCI eyes March 10 start for IPL 2027 to beat harsh summer heat</a> &nbsp;"... [T]hat is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider many other factors regarding various players coming from various nations.&nbsp; &nbsp;"With a lot of difficulties, we are getting this two-month window. &nbsp;"It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to play bilateral matches...So, at this moment, there is no discussion regarding increasing matches from 74 to 94. Not happening immediately," he said. &nbsp;Keeping interests of other boards and their players in forefront, Saikia noted, "In course of later years, I do not know what will be the position but right at this moment, I don't see any possibility of increasing it from 74 to 94 [matches] because for that it is not only India that is to be considered but also the interest of other cricketing nations of the ICC especially players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Indies. &nbsp;"We do not want to upset bilateral matches also, and other multi-country tournaments,” he added.<h3>BCCI ready to squeeze domestic schedule for IPL itinerary</h3>Saikia also revealed how the board is planning to squeeze the 7-8-month domestic season to ensure it ends early, and they could then start the upcoming IPL season earlier. &nbsp;"If you look at our domestic cricket, it is a robust system which is in place. We started sometime in the later part of August with the Irani Trophy and all the matches, and it goes up to the Ranji Trophy final, which happens in the month of March. &nbsp;"Already, we have about a 7-8 months long period of domestic cricket. We have to squeeze in some of the matches so that we finish our domestic cricket by the 10th of March, so that we can start it [the IPL] immediately,” Saikia concluded.

IPL expansion to 94 games is ruled out for now. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reveals why a packed ICC calendar keeps the league at 74 matches.

Following reports that the BCCI is mulling starting IPL 2027 earlier to beat the harsh summer heat, the board’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, also confirmed that there are no plans to expand the number of league games from 74 to 94 each season anytime soon due to a packed international calendar. Since increasing the number of teams from eight to 10 in 2022, the BCCI has planned to expand its window and, with that, the number of matches. As things stand, each IPL team faces a set of opponents twice and others just once under the current setup, but they had planned to introduce a full-scale round-robin format during 94 matches per season. However, this idea and its execution come with their own set of challenges, and understanding those, Saikia explained why it is not possible in the foreseeable future. Also read | BCCI eyes March 10 start for IPL 2027 to beat harsh summer heat "... [T]hat is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider many other factors regarding various players coming from various nations. "With a lot of difficulties, we are getting this two-month window. "It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to play bilateral matches...So, at this moment, there is no discussion regarding increasing matches from 74 to 94. Not happening immediately," he said. Keeping interests of other boards and their players in forefront, Saikia noted, "In course of later years, I do not know what will be the position but right at this moment, I don't see any possibility of increasing it from 74 to 94 [matches] because for that it is not only India that is to be considered but also the interest of other cricketing nations of the ICC especially players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Indies. "We do not want to upset bilateral matches also, and other multi-country tournaments,” he added. BCCI ready to squeeze domestic schedule for IPL itinerary Saikia also revealed how the board is planning to squeeze the 7-8-month domestic season to ensure it ends early, and they could then start the upcoming IPL season earlier. "If you look at our domestic cricket, it is a robust system which is in place. We started sometime in the later part of August with the Irani Trophy and all the matches, and it goes up to the Ranji Trophy final, which happens in the month of March. "Already, we have about a 7-8 months long period of domestic cricket. We have to squeeze in some of the matches so that we finish our domestic cricket by the 10th of March, so that we can start it [the IPL] immediately,” Saikia concluded.

IPL expansion to 94 games is ruled out for now. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reveals why a packed ICC calendar keeps the league at 74 matches.

IPL unlikely to expand to 94 games a season anytime soon, says BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) is mulling starting IPL 2027 as early as March 10 to avoid playing more matches during harsh summer heat. Usually, the IPL gets underway in late March and ends at the end of May or in early June, with the latest edition (IPL 2026) taking place from March 28 to May 31. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, has revealed that the board is planning to host the next season from March 10 to May 15.&nbsp;In 2024, the IPL had shared tentative windows for the next three seasons, and IPL 2027 was pencilled in from March 14 to May 30.&nbsp;Considering that the end of the May window is the start of pre-monsoon in some states, and earlier, the searing heat bothers everyone, the Indian Cricket Board is seeking an earlier window to start the tournament.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shubman-gill-ishan-kishan-star-with-bat-as-india-crush-afghanistan-in-2nd-odi-to-win-series-1781715960524">Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan star with bat as India crush Afghanistan in 2nd ODI to win series</a>&nbsp;"This year, IPL started around March 29 [28], and it was over by May 31," Saikia said in a chat with PTI. "The only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament, after May 15...there is apprehension of having rainfall or the pre-monsoon season starting.&nbsp;"On the other hand, there is hot weather, which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds.&nbsp;"So therefore, there is a discussion going on in BCCI as well as in our IPL governing council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March.&nbsp;"From next year, we will make an effort, and I have already instructed our general manager (games development) [former India fast bowler Abey Kuruvilla] to look for the windows, whether we can start it by the 10th of March and conclude it by the 15th of May. So that there are no adverse weather conditions in the run-up to the playoffs and the finals of IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition,” he continued.<h3>Player and Fan Welfare Triggers the Shift</h3>Revealing that he received complaints from players about playing in harsh conditions during Indian summers, Saikia decided to work on mending the window for the IPL 20th season.&nbsp;"I'm hearing a lot of complaints from the fans as well as from the players, because not all players are very well-equipped or well-acclimatised to play in such hot conditions," he said. "So, to provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to close it by the 15th of May.&nbsp;"That is our first goal now, and that is the prime area of concern for the next year's 20th edition of IPL, which will be a big event."

BCCI looks to pull IPL 2027 forward to March 10 to protect players and fans from harsh summer heat and monsoons. Read Devajit Saikia's update.

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) is mulling starting IPL 2027 as early as March 10 to avoid playing more matches during harsh summer heat. Usually, the IPL gets underway in late March and ends at the end of May or in early June, with the latest edition (IPL 2026) taking place from March 28 to May 31. The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, has revealed that the board is planning to host the next season from March 10 to May 15. In 2024, the IPL had shared tentative windows for the next three seasons, and IPL 2027 was pencilled in from March 14 to May 30. Considering that the end of the May window is the start of pre-monsoon in some states, and earlier, the searing heat bothers everyone, the Indian Cricket Board is seeking an earlier window to start the tournament. Also read | Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan star with bat as India crush Afghanistan in 2nd ODI to win series "This year, IPL started around March 29 [28], and it was over by May 31," Saikia said in a chat with PTI. "The only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament, after May 15...there is apprehension of having rainfall or the pre-monsoon season starting. "On the other hand, there is hot weather, which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds. "So therefore, there is a discussion going on in BCCI as well as in our IPL governing council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March. "From next year, we will make an effort, and I have already instructed our general manager (games development) [former India fast bowler Abey Kuruvilla] to look for the windows, whether we can start it by the 10th of March and conclude it by the 15th of May. So that there are no adverse weather conditions in the run-up to the playoffs and the finals of IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition,” he continued. Player and Fan Welfare Triggers the Shift Revealing that he received complaints from players about playing in harsh conditions during Indian summers, Saikia decided to work on mending the window for the IPL 20th season. "I'm hearing a lot of complaints from the fans as well as from the players, because not all players are very well-equipped or well-acclimatised to play in such hot conditions," he said. "So, to provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to close it by the 15th of May. "That is our first goal now, and that is the prime area of concern for the next year's 20th edition of IPL, which will be a big event."

BCCI looks to pull IPL 2027 forward to March 10 to protect players and fans from harsh summer heat and monsoons. Read Devajit Saikia's update.

BCCI eyes March 10 start for IPL 2027 to beat harsh summer heat

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has warned of action against IPL teams violating IPL norms this season. Following reports that the Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions, have breached norms twice, the Indian Cricket Board vows to take some action against those guilty. Initially, RR’s team manager, Romi Bhinder, was found guilty of using a mobile phone midway through the team’s league game; subsequently, the team captain, Riyan Parag, was found vaping inside the team’s dressing room during the run chase against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur.&nbsp;While the BCCI penalised Bhinder INR 1 lakh for breaking rules, they fined RR captain Parag 25 per cent of his match fees for smoking within the stadium’s premises.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-could-not-execute-plans-with-ball-coach-vikram-rathour-after-rr-loss-to-dc-1777700572297">IPL 2026 | 'Could not execute plans with ball': Coach Vikram Rathour after RR loss to DC</a> &nbsp;"We are exploring some other options about how to bring the teams which are violating the norms," Saikia said on the sidelines of India's squad announcement for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai. "We will be taking some action. We are looking at the various terms and conditions and protocols of IPL [around] how the teams behave." &nbsp;Saikia said it’s not about a player or a team, as the tournament’s decorum must be maintained, and to ensure that, those guilty must be fined. &nbsp;"It is not just players or officials," Saikia said. "As a team, they have to maintain some decorum so that the image of the IPL is never adversely affected. To ensure that we have to take a call, and we will be taking some action." &nbsp;Meanwhile, RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara recently said that those issues were addressed with the BCCI and within the Royals group, vowing that ‘they always try to have a very positive team culture’ in the team.&nbsp; &nbsp;As things stand, RR is fourth on the points table with six wins and four losses in 10 contested matches, having 12 points. With four league games remaining, they have a chance of acquiring the required points to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia warns of "stringent action" against IPL teams following protocol breaches by Rajasthan Royals. After Riyan Parag and Romi Bhinder were fined for code of conduct violations, the board is reviewing IPL terms to protect the league's image. Get the full details here.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has warned of action against IPL teams violating IPL norms this season. Following reports that the Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions, have breached norms twice, the Indian Cricket Board vows to take some action against those guilty. Initially, RR’s team manager, Romi Bhinder, was found guilty of using a mobile phone midway through the team’s league game; subsequently, the team captain, Riyan Parag, was found vaping inside the team’s dressing room during the run chase against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur. While the BCCI penalised Bhinder INR 1 lakh for breaking rules, they fined RR captain Parag 25 per cent of his match fees for smoking within the stadium’s premises. Also read | IPL 2026 | 'Could not execute plans with ball': Coach Vikram Rathour after RR loss to DC "We are exploring some other options about how to bring the teams which are violating the norms," Saikia said on the sidelines of India's squad announcement for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai. "We will be taking some action. We are looking at the various terms and conditions and protocols of IPL [around] how the teams behave." Saikia said it’s not about a player or a team, as the tournament’s decorum must be maintained, and to ensure that, those guilty must be fined. "It is not just players or officials," Saikia said. "As a team, they have to maintain some decorum so that the image of the IPL is never adversely affected. To ensure that we have to take a call, and we will be taking some action." Meanwhile, RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara recently said that those issues were addressed with the BCCI and within the Royals group, vowing that ‘they always try to have a very positive team culture’ in the team. As things stand, RR is fourth on the points table with six wins and four losses in 10 contested matches, having 12 points. With four league games remaining, they have a chance of acquiring the required points to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia warns of "stringent action" against IPL teams following protocol breaches by Rajasthan Royals. After Riyan Parag and Romi Bhinder were fined for code of conduct violations, the board is reviewing IPL terms to protect the league's image. Get the full details here.

‘We Will Take Action’: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia warns teams against violating IPL norms

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Ajit Agarkar’s future as chief selector to be decided at right time, says BCCI secretary

IPL unlikely to expand to 94 games a season anytime soon: Devajit Saikia

BCCI eyes March 10 start for IPL 2027 to beat harsh summer heat

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia warns teams against violating IPL norms