Pragyan Ojha Likely to Join BCCI Men’s Selection Committee | Reports

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August 22, 2025 0 192

Pragyan Ojha May Replace Sharath

Pragyan Ojha was reported as a likely replacement for Sridharan Sharath in BCCI’s men’s selection committee.

Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha could be inducted into the BCCI men’s selection committee, according to media reports. Ojha is being considered as a potential replacement for Sridharan Sharath from the South Zone.

The development came a day after it was revealed that Ajit Agarkar’s contract as chairman of selectors has been extended by a year until June 2026. On Friday, the BCCI also invited applications for two positions in the men’s selection panel.

Ojha, who played for India between 2009 and 2013, featured in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is. He was highly effective on turning pitches, claiming 113 Test wickets including seven five-wicket hauls. He also picked up 21 wickets in ODIs and 10 in T20Is. In the IPL, Ojha represented Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians, finishing with 89 wickets from 92 matches at an economy rate of 7.36. He announced his retirement from international cricket in February 2020.

The BCCI has laid down strict eligibility criteria for applicants. A candidate must have played at least 7 Tests or 30 First-Class matches, or 10 ODIs and 20 First-Class matches. They should have retired at least five years ago and not been a member of any BCCI cricket committee for a cumulative period of five years.

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The current selection panel includes Agarkar (West Zone, chairman), Shiv Sunder Das (Central Zone), Subroto Banerjee (East Zone), Ajay Ratra (North Zone), and Sharath (South Zone). Any new appointments will have to be ratified at the BCCI annual general meeting.

“The contracts of selectors are renewed annually. We have not yet identified which selectors will be replaced, but that process will be undertaken soon,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI.

Agarkar’s extension comes on the back of India’s recent success in ICC tournaments. Under his watch, the team ended its trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, followed by victory in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Reports suggest Agarkar was offered the extension before the start of IPL 2025, which he accepted.