The BCCI has confirmed a new chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee following Ajit Agarkar’s departure.

The former India spinner will lead a five-member panel that also includes a newly appointed selector.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed a change in leadership of its Men’s Selection Committee following Ajit Agarkar’s exit as chairman. The appointment brings clarity to the leadership of the panel responsible for selecting India’s men’s national team across formats, with the board also confirming the addition of a new member.

The decision is based on seniority in terms of Test appearances, while the appointment of the new selector followed a process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The revised panel will comprise five members tasked with making key selection decisions for Indian cricket.

BCCI names new chairman of Men’s Selection Committee

The BCCI has appointed former India left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha as chairperson of the Men’s Selection Committee. Ojha represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is during his international career, claiming 113 wickets in Tests. His appointment follows Agarkar’s departure from the role, which he took up in July 2023.

The BCCI acknowledged Agarkar’s contribution during his tenure, noting that Indian cricket won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals during that period. The five-member selection panel now comprises Ojha, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar. Ojha’s appointment as chairperson is based on seniority, determined by the number of Test matches played by the members.

New selector joins panel after Agarkar’s exit

Alongside the leadership change, the BCCI appointed former India all-rounder Powar as a member of the selection committee. The Cricket Advisory Committee, comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, screened and interviewed applicants at the BCCI headquarters before unanimously recommending him.

Powar represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs. After his playing career, he took up coaching roles with the India women’s team, Mumbai and Gujarat, and served as bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. During his time as head coach of the India women’s team, Powar guided the side to an Asia Cup title and a Commonwealth Games silver medal. His appointment completes the revised selection panel, with Ojha taking charge as chairman following Agarkar’s exit.