Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has applied for the vacant senior national selector's post, putting himself in contention for a position that fell vacant after the BCCI decided against renewing Ajit Agarkar's contract.

"Yes, I have applied for the job," Jaffer confirmed to PTI.

The 48-year-old Jaffer played 31 Tests for India, scoring close to 2,000 runs, including five centuries. His Test hundreds included a double century against the West Indies and a hundred in South Africa. He also scored a double century against Pakistan in Kolkata.

If selected by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, Jaffer would have the highest number of Test appearances among the candidates being considered for the chairman's position.

With 31 Tests, he has a better playing record in the longest format than Pragyan Ojha, who represented India in 24 Tests. Under the existing selection process, the member from the zone with the highest number of Test appearances is eligible to head the committee.

SUPPORT FOR OJHA

However, it is understood that there is strong support within the BCCI for retaining Ojha as chairman, which could influence the composition of the new selection panel.

In that scenario, former India spinner Ramesh Powar, who played two Tests, could also be in contention for a place on the committee, potentially from the West Zone.

The final composition of the selection panel will depend on the CAC's assessment of the applicants and the BCCI's preferences as it looks to fill the vacancy left by Ajit Agarkar.

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