Wasim Jaffer and four other former cricketers interviewed for BCCI selection panel role

Five former cricketers have been interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee for the vacant position on the senior men’s selection committee. The Board of Control for Cricket in India sought to fill this spot after Ajit Agarkar chose not to seek a contract renewal. Former opener Wasim Jaffer joined the race for the role, alongside Ramesh Powar, Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin, and Connor Williams, who were interviewed virtually in New Delhi on October 16.

The vacancy opened after Ajit Agarkar's exit as chief selector, leaving former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha as interim chairman. Jaffer's entry could change the leadership equation of the panel. Under the Board of Control for Cricket in India constitution, the member with the most Test caps becomes chairman. Jaffer played 31 Tests, which would surpass Ojha's 24 Test caps if the Cricket Advisory Committee recommends him for the job.

Jaffer is one of the most prolific run-getters in Indian domestic cricket, with over 19,000 first-class runs. Other candidates interviewed include Ramesh Powar, who played two Tests and 31 ODIs, and Salil Ankola, who previously served as a national selector until August 2024. Parthiv Patel, who was heavily tipped to apply, did not submit an application for the role.

Additionally, there is movement regarding the junior men’s selection committee. If Powar joins the senior panel, former India pacer Dodda Ganesh and Arjun Yadav are in the fray for the junior panel. The Cricket Advisory Committee is expected to finalise the fifth senior selector soon as preparations build toward the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup.