Sports/Alive News: Pragyan Ojha has been appointed as the new chairman of India’s men’s cricket selection committee by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He succeeds Ajit Agarkar, whose tenure ended in October. Former India cricketer Ramesh Powar has also been included in the selection committee.
The BCCI decided to appoint Ojha as chairman based on his experience of playing more Test matches. He had earlier taken charge as the interim head of the selection committee after Agarkar’s contract ended. Agarkar and the BCCI decided to part ways ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Pragyan Ojha’s International Cricket Career
Ojha made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in Karachi in 2008. He represented India until 2013 and was known for his left-arm spin bowling.
In his international career, Ojha played 24 Test matches and took 113 wickets. He also played 18 ODIs, taking 21 wickets, and six T20 Internationals, claiming 10 wickets. He finished his international career with 144 wickets across all three formats.
Ramesh Powar Joins the Selection Committee
Ramesh Powar is a former Indian international cricketer who also served as head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team. During his coaching tenure, India won the Asia Cup and secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Powar has also coached Mumbai and Gujarat teams in domestic cricket. In addition, he has worked as a bowling coach at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.
India’s Achievements Under Ajit Agarkar
Ajit Agarkar became chairman of the men’s selection committee in July 2023 after Chetan Sharma resigned from the post. During Agarkar’s tenure, India enjoyed considerable success in international cricket.
India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and won the T20 World Cup in 2024. The team also lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. India further won the Asia Cup titles in 2023 and 2025.
The BCCI thanked Agarkar for his contribution to Indian cricket. According to the board, his tenure included three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Games.
Ojha will now lead the selection committee as India prepares for upcoming international tournaments, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.
