Online Sports Desk
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed former spinner Ramesh Powar’s inclusion in the senior men’s selection committee, replacing the departing Ajit Agarkar. By seniority, South Zone selector Pragyan Ojha has become the new chief selector.
Powar represented India in 2 Tests and 31 ODIs from 2004 to 2007, picking 40 wickets. He played 148 First-Class matches, predominantly for Mumbai. Post-retirement, he served in various coaching roles, including with the Indian women’s national team, the Mumbai men’s state team, and Rajasthan, while also doing spin-coach stints at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“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 BCCI said in a statement. “The CAC met at the BCCI HQ to screen and interview applicants and, following the process, unanimously recommended the appointment of Mr Ramesh Powar.”
Agarkar served as the chairman of selectors for two years, winning a T20 World Cup and a Champions Trophy in the process. However, a breakdown of the relationship with the BCCI led to him not extending his contract, even with months left for the 2027 World Cup.
“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,” the board said.
Ojha, also a former spinner, played 24 Tests for India, more than any other member of the selection committee: Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, Ramesh Powar. The BCCI’s rules mandate the senior-most Test player to get the chairmanship.
Why Ramesh Powar beat the more-experienced Wasim Jaffer
Several former cricketers from West Zone gave interviews for the job. Apart from Powar, the most prominent name was former India opener Wasim Jaffer, with more experience than Ojha and even Agarkar: he played 31 Tests and featured in 260 First-Class matches, considerably more than Powar. His coaching experience with IPL franchises and international teams, including Bangladesh, also strengthened his credentials.
Yet, Powar was preferred over Jaffer because the board reportedly wanted continuity in selection policies ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Had Jaffer been chosen over Powar, he’d have edged Ojha for the chief selector’s job, and according to The Telegraph, the BCCI preferred maintaining the existing approach rather than introducing a leadership change so close to the World Cup.
Powar’s selection, meanwhile, allows Ojha to retain the top position and continue the work he began under former chairman Agarkar.
