The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made some important changes as it announced the Men’s Selection Committee, appointing former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar as a new member. In addition to this, the BCCI also named left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha as the permanent chairperson. The moves come after Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman concluded earlier this month.
In an official media advisory released on October 19, the BCCI confirmed that the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising former India batters Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, had conducted a thorough selection process. The CAC screened and interviewed applicants at the BCCI headquarters before unanimously recommending Powar for the vacant position on the five-member panel.
Ramesh Powar joins BCCI's Selection Committee; Pragyan Ojha replaces Ajit Agarkar
Powar replaces Agarkar, who represented the West Zone. The former Mumbai all-rounder played two Tests and 31 One-Day Internationals for India between 2004 and 2007. Since retiring from professional cricket, Powar has built an extensive coaching resume. He served as head coach of the India women’s team, guiding them to an Asia Cup title and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. He has also coached Mumbai and Gujarat, and worked as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The BCCI statement read:
“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 board also clarified the leadership structure. It said:
“The CAC met at the BCCI HQ to screen and interview applicants and, following the process, unanimously recommended the appointment of Mr Ramesh Powar.”
The statement further read:
“Based on seniority (most Tests), Mr Pragyan Ojha will chair the Committee.”
Ojha, who has played 24 Test matches for India along with 18 ODIs and six T20Is, holds the highest number of Test appearances among the current panel members. He has been serving as interim chairman since Agarkar’s term ended on October 4.
The full Men’s Selection Committee now consists of Pragyan Ojha (Chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Ramesh Powar. Shiv Sundar Das follows closely with 23 Tests; RP Singh has 14, Ajay Ratra six, and Powar two. The seniority-based system for appointing the chairperson is a longstanding BCCI practice designed to ensure experience guides decision-making at the highest level.
The BCCI thanks former Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar
The BCCI took the opportunity to acknowledge Agarkar’s contributions. He recently stated that he doesn't want to continue as the Chief Selector. The statement read:
“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.”
The statement also acknowledged the work he did and the achievements as the Chief Selector. The statement further read:
“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.”
Agarkar’s panel oversaw a successful era that included major global titles. Under his watch, India secured multiple ICC successes and dominated regional competitions. Notable recent decisions included the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as T20I captain earlier this year, succeeding Suryakumar Yadav, who had led the side to the T20 World Cup title. The vacancy arose after Agarkar’s contract expired on October 4. The BCCI invited applications for the single West Zone position shortly afterward, with the deadline set for October 14.
BCCI chose Ramesh Powar over Wasim Jaffer
Several former players, including Wasim Jaffer, appeared for interviews, but the CAC ultimately settled on Powar, as per the reports. The swift process reflected the board’s desire to stabilize the selection setup ahead of upcoming international commitments. Powar’s appointment brings a blend of playing experience and modern coaching insights to the panel. His work with the women’s team and domestic sides is expected to add depth, particularly in evaluating spin options and talent from the West Zone, which includes powerhouses like Mumbai, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Ojha’s elevation to full-time chairperson ensures continuity. The Hyderabad left-armer had already begun handling responsibilities in the interim period, including squad selections for recent series. His deep understanding of the domestic circuit and international experience positions him well to lead discussions on team composition across formats. The selection committee plays a critical role in Indian cricket, identifying talent for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, balancing form, fitness, and long-term development. With a packed calendar that includes bilateral series and major ICC events on the horizon, the reconstituted panel must maintain India’s competitive edge while integrating emerging players.
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