Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
The relationship between Ajit Agarkar and VVS Laxman appears to be strained as differences over player management, India A scheduling and cricketing policies emerge as a talking point within the BCCI.
Agarkar, who has been the chairman of the senior men’s selection committee since July 2023, while his counterpart Laxman, who heads the COE (previously the National Cricket Academy) has also led the India team on occasions that the head coach Gautam Gambhir has been unavailable.
Disagreements between chief selector Ajit Agarkar and COE head VVS Laxman over player management, India A scheduling, and cricketing policies have reportedly strained their relationship, fueling speculation about Agarkar’s position after his absence from a crucial BCCI review meeting.
Questions have emerged regarding Agarkar’s position after his reported absence from a crucial BCCI review meeting in Mumbai, held after India’s disappointing series in England. PTI stated that Agarkar did not participate in the meeting, further fuelling speculation regarding his position.
A report in The Telegraph suggested that some members believed that his absence may have prevented a heated exchange with Laxman over the functioning of the COE.
The two former India teammates appear to have disagreed on several issues over the past few years. One of the areas of contention apparently involved how injured players should be managed and the timelines associated with their rehabilitation.
India A scheduling also appeared to be a point of contention. India A’s two Tests in Puducherry, which is scheduled to run from September 22 to October 2, coincide with the Irani Cup in Srinagar from October 1 to 5. India A’s subsequent matches against New Zealand A, scheduled to be held between October 24 and November 10, also clash with India’s international fixtures.
The scheduling of India A fixtures fall under the jurisdiction of the COE, which coordinates with BCCI’s cricket operations department.
Another point of contention apparently involved India’s approach to the Asian Games. Agarkar, who was involved in the selection of India’s squad for the Hangzhou Games, questioned the need to send a first-choice team for an event where cricket was viewed as a secondary competition. India eventually sent a second-string side led by Ruturaj Gaikwad as the senior team focused on the ODI World Cup.
The management of centrally contracted players who were recovering from injuries reportedly added another layer of tensions. Laxman was also said to have been unhappy with criticism directed at the COE over matters which he felt were beyond their control.
Agarkar’s decision to stay away from the latest review meeting has fuelled speculation which his tenure as chief selector could be coming to an end
