Pragyan Ojha Becomes Chief Selector (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed former India spinner Ramesh Powar’s appointment to the senior men’s selection committee, replacing outgoing selector Ajit Agarkar. With the change, Pragyan Ojha, the South Zone representative, has become the new chairman of selectors based on seniority.
Powar represented India in two Tests and 31 One-Day Internationals between 2004 and 2007, claiming 40 wickets. He played 148 first-class matches, mainly for Mumbai, before moving into coaching. His assignments have included the Indian women’s national team, Mumbai’s men’s side and Rajasthan, along with spin-coaching stints at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Mr. Ashok Malhotra and Mr. Jatin Paranjape, conducted a selection process for the appointment of a member of the Men’s Selection Committee," the BCCI said in a statement. “The CAC met at the BCCI HQ to screen and interview applicants and, following the process, unanimously recommended the appointment of Mr Ramesh Powar."
Agarkar had served as chairman of the selection committee for two years, overseeing a successful period for Indian cricket that included victories in the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. However, his tenure will not be extended, with reports pointing to a breakdown in his relationship with the BCCI despite time remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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“The BCCI places on record its appreciation for Mr Ajit Agarkar for his commitment, conviction and contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee. Since his appointment in July 2023, Agarkar led the committee through a significant period for Indian cricket, with India winning three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals," the board said.
Ojha, a former India spinner, has played 24 Tests for the country, more than any other member of the current selection panel. The other members are Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Powar.
Under the BCCI’s rules, the most senior former Test cricketer on the selection committee is appointed chairman. Ojha’s international experience has therefore placed him at the top of the panel following Agarkar’s departure.
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Several former cricketers from the West Zone reportedly interviewed for the selection committee position. Among the prominent candidates was former India opener Wasim Jaffer, whose playing record in Tests and first-class cricket is more extensive than Powar’s.
Jaffer played 31 Tests and featured in 260 first-class matches. His coaching experience, including assignments with IPL franchises and international teams such as Bangladesh, also added to his credentials.
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However, Powar was reportedly preferred because the BCCI wanted to maintain its existing selection approach ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to *The Telegraph*, appointing Jaffer could also have put him ahead of Ojha in the seniority-based race for the chairman’s position.
