As the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken multiple steps to improve the team. There are a few incidents, like the injuries and the departure of Ajit Agarkar as the chief selector, that were not in the hands of board officials.
Amid the 2027 ODI World Cup preparations, BCCI president Mithun Manhas opened up on various topics, like Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as the chief selector, VVS Laxman’s position in the Indian cricket ecosystem, and chances to see Indian players in overseas franchise leagues.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas on Ajit Agarkar’s role as chief selector
Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as the chief selector was filled with a lot of controversies. But it is undeniable that during his time, the India National Cricket Team claimed the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups, and the Asia Cup in 2025.
According to Mithun Manhas, Agarkar did a fantastic job as the chief selector. By maintaining smooth communication between the other members of the selection committee and the coaches of the national side, Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee left their mark well.
“As far as Ajit’s tenure is concerned, I think he has done a fantastic job, overseeing the two World Cup (2024, 2026) victories and the Asia Cup (2025) triumph. It was his decision to move on. All in all, not just Ajit but all the selectors have done a fantastic job. They have shared a good rapport with the coaches as well. That is how the system should operate. The coaches and selectors need to work together on these aspects, and they have delivered,” Manhas told Sportstar in an interview.
BCCI president explains VVS Laxman’s role
Former Team India cricketer VVS Laxman becomes a crucial figure in Indian cricket. As the head of the board’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), he helped the players improve their skill set, form and fitness. Additionally, the board allows him to express his point of view during appointments.
Recently, when India went to Japan for the 2026 Asian Games and a brief T20I series against Zimbabwe, VVS Laxman was with the national side as the head coach. Mithun Manhas explained Laxman’s exact position.
“He oversees the India A teams, and whenever multiple teams are touring simultaneously and Gambhir is busy, Laxman takes charge. I think his opinion matters because, as head of the CoE, he has a clear understanding of a player’s fitness and overall development. His inputs would certainly help the selectors make informed decisions,” Manhas stated.
Will BCCI change rule so that Indian players can play overseas leagues?
Like the 2027 ODI World Cup, the next edition of the Indian Premier League is also approaching soon. Ahead of the players’ auction, which is likely to be held in India this year, the BCCI president was asked whether the board will change any rules for Indian players who are willing to play in any other franchise league around the globe. The president stated that the rule remains the same.
“As of now, the rules remain the same. We haven’t had any discussions around that topic,” he added.
