Pragyan Ojha Replaces Ajit Agarkar As BCCI Chief Selector, Ramesh Powar Joins Panel

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday confirmed the appointment of former spinner Pragyan Ojha as the new chairman of the men's selection committee. Ojha, who succeeds Ajit Agarkar in the role, had been serving as an interim selector before being handed the responsibility on a full-time basis. The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, conducted the selection process for the men's selection committee. The panel also named Ramesh Powar as one of the members of the committee.

Pragyan Ojha will chair the Men's Selection Committee based on seniority, determined by the number of Test matches played. The committee comprises Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar, completing the five-member panel responsible for selecting India's men's cricket team.

Powar, 48, played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India from 2004 to 2007 and brings vast experience to the role. He edged competition from fellow former India and West Zone players Wasim Jaffer, Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin and Connor Williams.

Mumbai-based Powar had two stints as head coach of the India women's team, where he guided the side to an Asia Cup title and a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2022. His second spell ended when he was moved to the National Cricket Academy, now called the BCCI Centre of Excellence, in Bengaluru as spin-bowling coach.

Powar has also coached Mumbai to Vijay Hazare Trophy win and was Gujarat's senior men's head coach for the last two seasons before stepping down from the role recently. He also served as a consultant coach for Australia U-19 during their recent ODI series against India.

The vacancy in the senior selection panel arose following the exit of Ajit Agarkar as chief selector. "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," said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika in a statement.

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