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[Saba Sports News] Former India cricketer Kirti Azad has sparked controversy by accusing BCCI secretary Jay Shah of meddling in team selection. According to Azad, Shah pressured both Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma regarding Virat Kohli’s place in the T20 World Cup squad.
Azad alleges that Shah tasked Agarkar, chief selector, with convincing his colleagues to exclude Kohli. He further claims Shah approached captain Rohit Sharma, who supposedly insisted on Kohli’s inclusion.
Azad criticizes Shah’s actions, calling him a “nincompoop” without taking his name, emphasizing that selection decisions should be left to the designated committee.
“Why should Jay Shah, he is not a selector, to give responsibility to Ajit Agarkar to talk to the other selectors and convince them that Virat Kohli is not getting a place in the T20 team. For this, time was given till 15th March. If sources are to be believed, Ajit Agarkar was neither able to convince himself nor the other selectors. Jay Shah asked Rohit Sharma too but Rohit said we need Virat Kohli at any cost. Virat Kohli will play the T20 World Cup and its official announcement will be made before the team selection. Nincompoops should not invovle themselves in selection process,” Azad tweeted.
It is important to note that these are unverified claims made by Azad. The BCCI has not commented on the matter.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, all eyes are on the official team announcement. If Azad’s claims hold weight, the announcement could solidify Kohli’s position or reveal a different course of action. A lot will also ride on how Kohli performs in the upcoming IPL season, commencing on March 22.