Selectors to track ODI WC probables in IPL

The ODI World Cup is still a year away but India’s 20-odd probables have already been earmarked and the five national selectors will keep an eye on these players during the IPL starting March 28, a top BCCI source told PTI on Friday.

The Ajit Agarakar-led panel comprises SS Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Pragyan Ojha. The World Cup is to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November of 2027. The panel members are expected to be present for matches at their respective bases while tracking the other games on TV. IPL begins with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.

The senior official also rejected speculation that Agarkar has sought an extension till the 50-over World Cup after a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year. “The selection panel is a sub-committee of the BCCI and the selectors’ contract runs till September this year,” a senior BCCI official privy to developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“Ajit’s contract ends in September and after that BCCI secretary and Ajit will have to decide whether he would continue till next year’s ODI World Cup. A senior selector can continue upto four years as per constitution and he doesn’t need to seek an extension,” he said.

Agarkar took over as chairman of selectors in July, 2023.

Focus on ODI hopefuls during IPL

While Agarkar is Mumbai-based, Das is a Kolkata resident. RP Singh and Ratra reside in the National Capital Region, and Ojha is expected to watch his share of the IPL games in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. “The BCCI is looking at each selector watching at least one game per week which covers five games per week from the venue. Else obviously they can track on TV,” the official said.

It is understood that with the 2028 T20 World Cup and, prior to that, the Olympics in the same year, this IPL will be more about tracking the performance of those 20-odd players who are going to be in the mix for the 50-over World Cup. The selectors are not expected to look at any breakout IPL star for the ODI World Cup. The core 50-over specialists are all known and their performance and fitness will be tracked during this year’s IPL