Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar as the chairman of the Senior Men's Selection Committee. Agarkar, who had an illustrious career representing the Indian cricket team, will now play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket as the head of the selection committee.

The decision was announced by the BCCI on Wednesday, recognizing Agarkar's valuable experience and understanding of the game. As the chairman, he will be responsible for leading a panel of selectors in identifying and picking the best talent for the national team across different formats of the game.

Ajit Agarkar, known for his excellent performances with both bat and ball during his playing days, brings a wealth of cricketing knowledge to his new role. He played 26 Tests, 191 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and four Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India, showcasing his versatility as an all-rounder.

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Hubballi: Forest minister Eshwar Khandre will hand over relocation cheques to 57 residents of Talewadi village in Belagavi on May 17, under the voluntary relocation programme.

Located within the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Talewadi is the first of 13 villages earmarked for relocation from one of Karnataka’s densest forests — a crucial tiger corridor linking the Kali Tiger Reserve with tiger habitats in Goa and Maharashtra, Deccan Herald reported on Thursday.

The relocation will free up over 1,000 hectares of inviolate forest land for wildlife. For the villagers, the move promises access to better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

The residents of the village have been demanding relocation since 2013–14, citing challenges like poor connectivity and seasonal isolation during monsoons, when overflowing streams would cut them off from the mainland, added the report.

Khandre had visited the village in December 2024, assuring residents of support and timely action. The upcoming cheque disbursal marks the fulfillment of that promise, as the entire Talewadi village is being relocated outside the protected area.

“There was no force from the department for relocation. This is completely on our request,” said Bayaji Varak, a Talewadi resident and one of the beneficiaries of the relocation.