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Cricket PlayersVVS Laxman set for powerful new BCCI role as amid Rohit-Kohli tensions and Ajit Agarkar uncertainty: Report
If appointed, VVS Laxman would have sweeping powers over the running of Indian cricket while continuing in his role as CoE head.
First, there was speculation over VVS Laxman's potential appointment as India's head coach. Then came reports linking him to the chief selector's post. Now, fresh rumours suggest the former India batter could be handed an entirely new role by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to a report in The Telegraph India, the BCCI has offered Laxman, who currently heads the Centre of Excellence (CoE), the position of Director of Cricket, a role similar to that held by Rob Key at the England and Wales Cricket Board. The position was last held by Ravi Shastri in Indian cricket between 2014 and 2016. Sources told the newspaper that Laxman "has already been spoken to by the powers-that-be in Indian cricket."
If appointed, Laxman would have sweeping powers over the running of Indian cricket while continuing in his role as CoE head. The selectors, team management and players would reportedly fall under his ambit, giving him a significant say in the functioning of the national team.
One of the key reasons behind the proposed appointment is believed to be Laxman's growing stature within Indian cricket and his relationship with senior players. The BCCI reportedly feels he would be better placed to communicate with and manage veterans such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, potentially helping avoid conflicts between the selection committee, team management and senior players.
Earlier this month, speculation had emerged that Laxman could replace Ajit Agarkar as chairman of selectors, with Agarkar's current tenure set to end in September. A report on Saturday, however, said the BCCI is yet to make a final decision on Agarkar's future, with the former India fast bowler reportedly expecting a one-year extension that would take him through the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While Agarkar awaits clarity, The Telegraph India also reported that former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan is among the candidates being considered to head the selection committee. The 92-Test veteran has extensive experience at the grassroots level and has worked with several IPL franchises, apart from contributing his expertise at the CoE.
Agarkar's position reportedly became less secure despite India's triumph at the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the uncertainty surrounding Rohit's international future emerging as a key point of contention. Reports had claimed that the selectors told Rohit he was unlikely to feature in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup after the England series last month. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia subsequently dismissed those reports, a development that reportedly did not go down well with members of the selection committee.
The latest report suggests that Laxman's proposed appointment as Director of Cricket could be aimed at preventing similar situations from escalating in the future. His standing within Indian cricket and his rapport with senior players could allow him to act as a bridge between the selectors, team management and the dressing room.
In fact, a senior BCCI official is understood to have intervened to resolve the Rohit-related impasse during the England tour in London. The proposed Director of Cricket role could therefore be an attempt by the board to create a central authority capable of handling such sensitive issues before they turn into larger controversies.
