BCCI anticipated clash between Ajit Agarkar and VVS Laxman over Centre of Excellence issues

BCCI officials viewed Ajit Agarkar's absence from the early September review meeting as a blessing in disguise because they anticipated a heated clash with VVS Laxman over differences at the Centre of Excellence. The chief selector's contract ends this month, and his reluctance to accept an extension has been linked to disagreements with Laxman, who heads the CoE in Bengaluru.

Agarkar was reportedly unhappy about recurring injuries to senior players and lack of communication with selectors about rehabilitation programmes. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also raised concerns that having a dozen starting-level players unavailable was unfair to young captain Shubman Gill. Laxman has defended the CoE's broader role beyond injury management.

BCCI officials are set to meet Agarkar to discuss a roadmap for his potential renewal ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The board stated he missed the meeting due to logistical reasons while out of station.