Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha is likely to be included in the BCCI men’s selection committee, replacing outgoing South Zone representative S Sharath. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for two positions in the Ajit Agarkar-led men’s committee and four in the women’s selection committee, with September 10 set as the deadline for submissions.
South and Central Zone Vacancies
The men’s panel is expected to induct members from the South and Central zones. With Sharath’s term complete, Ojha, who represented India across formats, is the frontrunner from the South Zone. However, the replacement for the Central Zone remains unclear, as selectors SS Das and Subrato Banerjee have both represented the East in their playing careers. Meanwhile, Ajit Agarkar (West) and Ajay Ratra (North) continue in their roles as their contracts were recently extended.
Eligibility Criteria for Selectors
As per BCCI guidelines, applicants must have played at least seven Tests, 10 ODIs, or 20 First-Class matches. They must have retired at least five years prior and should not have served in any BCCI Cricket Committee for more than five cumulative years. These rules apply to both men’s and women’s selection committees to ensure experience and independence.
Changes in Women’s Selection Committee
The women’s panel will undergo a major overhaul, with four of its five members completing their terms. Chairperson Neetu David, along with Renu Margrate, Arati Vaidya, and Kalpana Venkatachar, are set to step down. Shyama Dey Shaw is the only member eligible to continue. Applicants for the women’s panel must have represented India internationally and must also meet the same five-year retirement and tenure restrictions as the men’s committee.
BCCI’s Move Towards Renewal
This reshuffle signals BCCI’s intent to refresh its selection committees with experienced former players while ensuring compliance with tenure norms. With Ojha in contention, South Zone’s representation looks set, while the Central Zone candidate will be closely watched.
