New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as chairman of the men’s national selection committee. Former India all-rounder Ramesh Powar has also been appointed to the five-member panel, following Ajit Agarkar’s departure from the post.
Ojha has been given the responsibility of leading the selection committee based on his experience in Test cricket. Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh and Ajay Ratra are the other members of the panel.
Powar’s appointment was recommended following the selection process conducted by the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The committee, which included Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe, reviewed applications and conducted interviews at the BCCI headquarters before unanimously recommending Powar for the position.
Agarkar’s exit had triggered speculation over who would lead the selection committee. Reports had also suggested that former India opener Wasim Jaffer had applied for a selector’s position. Jaffer played 31 Test matches for India, while Ojha represented the country in 24 Tests. The BCCI has now officially announced Ojha’s appointment as chairman.
Ojha played 24 Tests, 18 One-Day Internationals and six T20 matches for India, taking 113 wickets in Test cricket. Having previously been a regular member of India’s Test side, he will now lead key decisions concerning the selection of the national team.
Powar represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs before moving into coaching. He served as head coach of the Indian women’s team and also held coaching roles with the Mumbai and Gujarat teams. He has additionally worked as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
During Powar’s tenure as coach of the Indian women’s team, the side won the Asia Cup and secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. His experience in international cricket and coaching is expected to be an asset to the selection panel.
The BCCI also acknowledged Agarkar’s contribution as chairman. According to the board’s statement, during his tenure, which began in July 2023, Indian cricket teams won three ICC titles, two Asia Cup titles and consecutive gold medals at the Asian Games.
With Ojha appointed chairman and Powar joining as a member, the composition of the men’s selection committee has been announced. The five-member panel will be responsible for selecting Indian teams across formats.
