BCCI Tightens Selection Process, VVS Laxman to Attend All Senior Panel Meetings

New Delhi, Oct 7: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that Centre of Excellence (COE) head VVS Laxman will attend all future meetings of the senior national selection committee in a move aimed at improving communication between the selectors and the board’s high-performance unit.

Laxman was present at the recent T20I and India A selection meeting in Guwahati, and Saikia said his regular involvement was decided during a review meeting held in Mumbai.

“VVS Laxman will henceforth attend all senior selection committee meetings to ensure there is no miscommunication between selectors and the COE,” Saikia said, quoted by the PTI.

The decision comes amid concerns over communication between Laxman and former chief selector Ajit Agarkar, particularly regarding the rehabilitation and availability of injured players. The absence of clear timelines from the COE had, on occasions, made it difficult for selectors to assess player availability while making squad decisions.

“This was decided at the review meeting in Mumbai that as head of cricket, COE, Laxman should attend all meetings going forward. The move is intended to ensure there is no miscommunication and selectors get accurate information to make right decisions,” Saikia said.

Meanwhile, the BCCI also announced India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar making a return to the national side nearly four years after his last international appearance.

The squad is the first to be selected following Agarkar’s departure as chairman of selectors, with former India spinner Pragyan Ojha serving as interim chair. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy has also returned after missing the Asian Games due to injury.

India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand will begin on October 22 and run until November 1. The opening two matches will be played in Christchurch, followed by the third T20I in Wellington on October 27. The fourth and fifth games are scheduled for Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1.

The selection process is expected to receive closer coordination between the senior panel and the COE, with Laxman now set to attend all meetings.