Ramesh Powar Joins BCCI Selection Panel As Pragyan Ojha Takes Over As Chief Selector

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has included former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar in its senior men’s selection committee, while former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken charge as chairman.

The BCCI appointed Ojha to the position based on seniority, as he has played 24 Tests, the most among the panel’s five members. The committee now consists of Ojha, Powar, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh and Ajay Ratra.

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, unanimously recommended Powar after interviewing candidates at the BCCI headquarters last week.

Powar, 48, represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs between 2004 and 2007. He secured the position ahead of former India and West Zone players Wasim Jaffer, Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin and Connor Williams.

The Mumbai-based former spinner served two spells as head coach of the India women’s team. During his tenure, the side won the Asia Cup and secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Ramesh Powar later moved to the National Cricket Academy, now known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence, in Bengaluru, where he worked as a spin-bowling coach.

Powar coached Mumbai to a Vijay Hazare Trophy title and led Gujarat’s senior men’s team for the past two seasons before recently leaving the role. He additionally worked as a consultant coach for Australia’s Under-19 side during its recent ODI series against India.

The vacancy followed Ajit Agarkar’s exit as chief selector.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia praised Agarkar’s contribution during his tenure, which began in July 2023.

The board credited the selection committee under Agarkar with overseeing India’s success in three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and consecutive Asian Games gold medals.

Senior Men’s Selection Committee

Pragyan Ojha (Chairperson), Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Ramesh Powar.

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