The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up for a another important change in its men’s selection committee, with Pragyan Ojha, a former India spinner, emerging as a frontrunner to be appointed.
The 3-time IPL wnner is likely to replace S Sharath, outgoing member from the South Zone, marking an important transition in the Ajit Agarkar-led panel.
This development came after BCCI’s recent call for applications to fill two vacant posts on the selection committee. The lase date for submission is September 10. While the board has not officially revealed which selectors will be replaced, reports suggest that the two vacant posts will be filled by representatives from the Central and South Zones.
S Sharath’s tenure has come to an end, opening the door for Ojha’s inclusion. From the previous term, S Sharath and SS Das had represented the South and Central Zones respectively. The uncertainty, however, lies in who will be replaced from the Central Zone, with no names confirmed so far.
“S Sharath, from the South, has completed his term, and the perception is that Pragyan Ojha, a former India international, will replace him. It is still not clear who will represent the Central zone and who will be replaced. In the current committee, SS Das and Subrato Banerjee have both represented both East zones in their playing days,” the report said.
Ojha, who played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is for India, enjoyed considerable success as a left-arm spinner during his career. His IPL stints with the Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians made him one of the most effective domestic performers of his time, and his experience at both the international and franchise level could bring balance to the selection panel.
The eligibility criteria for the new selectors remain unchanged from previous years. Candidates must have played either a minimum of seven Test matches or 30 first-class games. Alternatively, those with experience of at least 10 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 20 first-class matches are also eligible to apply.
A BCCI official clarified the board’s approach towards the reshuffle. “The contracts of selectors are renewed annually. We have not yet identified which selectors will be replaced, but that process will be undertaken soon,” the official said.
At present, the men’s selection committee is led by former pacer Ajit Agarkar and comprises SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra, and S Sharath. The panel recently finalized India’s squad for next month’s Asia Cup.
Ojha’s potential entry adds a new layer of intrigue to the committee’s composition. His firsthand knowledge of modern-day cricket, combined with his familiarity with domestic structures, could strengthen decision-making at a time when Indian cricket is balancing between nurturing young talent and managing the workload of senior players.
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As the BCCI prepares to finalize its choices, all eyes will be on the announcement of the new Central Zone representative. The decisions could have far-reaching consequences, especially with major tournaments such as the Champions Trophy and the next World Cup cycle looming.
The inclusion of Pragyan Ojha, if confirmed, would signal a renewed emphasis on selectors who have closely experienced both the domestic grind and international stage—vital for shaping the future of Indian cricket.
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