Cricket / Pragyan Ojha Named BCCI Chief Selector, Ramesh Powar Joins Panel

Mumbai, Oct 19: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday appointed Odisha-born former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as the chairman of the men's national selection committee, after the exit of former chairman Ajit Agarkar.

Former India all-rounder Ramesh Powar has also been inducted into the committee as its newest member.

Ojha, who hails from Odisha and represented India with distinction in the longest format, will head the selection panel based on seniority in terms of Test appearances among the selectors. His elevation marks a significant moment for Odisha cricket, with one of the state's most accomplished cricketers assuming a crucial administrative role in Indian cricket.

New Selection Panel

Besides Ojha and Powar, the selection committee comprises former India cricketers Shiv Sundar Das from Odisha, RP Singh and Ajay Ratra. The panel will be tasked with selecting India's men's squads across formats and shaping the team's future roadmap.

Powar's appointment followed a selection process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising former cricketers Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape. The duo interviewed candidates at the BCCI headquarters before unanimously recommending Powar for the role.

Ojha Gets the Top Role

Questions had persisted over who would chair the committee following Agarkar's departure. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer was among the candidates for the selector's post and had more Test appearances than Ojha, making the final decision a subject of interest within cricketing circles.

However, the BCCI's announcement confirmed Ojha as the chairman of the committee entrusted with one of the most influential responsibilities in Indian cricket.

The left-arm spinner represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20 Internationals, claiming 113 Test wickets during an international career that established him as a reliable performer in the national setup. Renowned for his accuracy and consistency, Ojha played a key role in several memorable Test victories for India.