The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday addressed speculation surrounding chief selector Ajit Agarkar after he was absent from an important meeting involving India’s senior cricket leadership.

The meeting was attended by India captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, head coach Gautam Gambhir, BCCI officials and Centre of Excellence director of cricket VVS Laxman. Agarkar, however, was not present either in person or virtually.

His absence led to speculation about his future as chairman of the men’s senior selection committee.

BCCI explains Agarkar’s absence

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said Agarkar was out of station when the meeting was called at short notice.

According to Saikia, Agarkar was in an area where he could not join the meeting online despite making efforts to do so.

Saikia’s clarification came amid reports and speculation over whether Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector could be extended.

No discussion on Agarkar’s extension

Asked whether the BCCI discussed extending Agarkar’s tenure during the meeting, Saikia said there was no such discussion.

He also rejected speculation about VVS Laxman being appointed as the BCCI’s director of cricket, saying the board had neither discussed such a move nor had any intention of doing so.

Agarkar’s tenure marked by key decisions

Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector has included several high-profile decisions involving India’s leadership and squad selection.

One notable decision was the backing of Suryakumar Yadav as a long-term T20I captain ahead of Hardik Pandya.

Another major call involved replacing Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain. Both decisions attracted considerable attention and criticism, but Agarkar publicly defended the selection committee’s decisions.

For now, the BCCI has made it clear that Agarkar’s absence from Thursday’s meeting was due to logistical circumstances and that no discussion on extending his tenure took place during the meeting.

India have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with Jasprit Bumrah making a return after an injury break.

Bumrah last represented India in an ODI against England on July 16, when he suffered a left-knee injury. His inclusion in the Afghanistan squad is subject to fitness clearance. Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana are also part of the squad subject to fitness clearance.

The Afghanistan series will begin on September 13 in New Delhi and will be played ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. The second T20I is scheduled for September 15, followed by the third match on September 17.

Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has returned to the T20I squad, while teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also been included following his strong performances against Zimbabwe.

Sooryavanshi will be among the top-order options alongside Abhishek Sharma, Samson and Ishan Kishan. Samson and Kishan are the two designated wicketkeepers in the squad.

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Shivam Dube is also part of the middle order.

Bumrah to lead pace attack

Bumrah is set to spearhead the pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana providing another fast-bowling option.

The all-rounder group consists of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi form the spin options.

Hardik Pandya does not feature in the announced squad.

India squad for Afghanistan T20Is

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma (VC), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar*, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah*, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana*.

*Subject to fitness clearance.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his celebrated 21-year career with the Argentina national team.

The 39-year-old forward confirmed his decision after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time, with Messi’s international career ending after another appearance in a World Cup final.

Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2005 and went on to become the country’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. He finished his international career with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

Messi’s Argentina career

Messi’s relationship with the Argentina national team included several painful defeats before he eventually led the side to major international honours.

He won the Copa América in 2021 before guiding Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar in 2022. Argentina also won the 2024 Copa América during his later international career.

The 2026 World Cup became his sixth appearance at the tournament. Argentina reached the final but fell short against Spain.

In announcing his decision, Messi said the choice was painful but that he understood the time had come to close this chapter of his career. He also expressed his continued love for representing Argentina.

Messi’s international records

Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.

His international honours include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. His international career also included Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008.

Messi’s decision applies to international football and does not mean he has retired from the sport altogether. He remains a player for Inter Miami at club level.