The BCCI (Indian Cricket Board) is looking for a new national selector, and one of the current members may have to make way for a fresh face. The board has issued a notice inviting applications from eligible candidates who have played at least seven Tests or 30 first-class matches, among other criteria. The last date to apply is January 25.

Sources say that Salil Ankola, the West Zone representative and one of the two selectors from Mumbai, could be the one to lose his spot. Earlier, This website reported that Ankola’s position was under scrutiny, as having two selectors from the same city and association, especially when one of them is the chief selector Ajit Agarkar, goes against the convention of having a diverse and balanced panel. It is likely that a former player from the North Zone, which is currently not represented in the committee, will replace Ankola.

The selection committee has required a revamp for a while, especially after Agarkar took charge as the chief selector in July last year. He succeeded Chetan Sharma, who stepped down in February 2023 following a sting operation. Since then, the North Zone has been left out of the loop.

Although the BCCI constitution does not specify that the selectors have to belong to different zones, the board has traditionally followed this practice for ease of operation. Having two national selectors from the same association and city is unprecedented in the history of the BCCI and the selection committee.

According to insiders, there was initially a plan to change more than one selector. However, given the Indian team’s outstanding performance in the World Cup and a decent show in the recent South Africa series, a major overhaul was deemed unnecessary. However, changing Ankola has become unavoidable due to pressure from the North Zone associations. The new selector is expected to be appointed by the first week of February.