BCCI Appoints Ramesh Powar to Men’s Selection Committee

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India international Ramesh Powar as a member of the Men’s Selection Committee, adding an experienced cricketer and coach to the panel responsible for selecting the country’s senior men’s teams. The announcement was made on Monday following a selection process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC).

Powar, a former Mumbai off-spinner, represented India in two Test matches and 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Since retiring from international cricket, he has built an extensive coaching career, working with teams at different levels of the game, including the Indian women’s team and domestic sides Mumbai and Gujarat.

His appointment comes as the BCCI acknowledges the contributions of outgoing selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, who decided not to seek an extension to his tenure. The board is now expected to begin the process of identifying a new chairman for the senior men’s selection committee.

BCCI Confirms Ramesh Powar’s Appointment

In its official announcement, the BCCI confirmed that the Cricket Advisory Committee had reviewed applicants and conducted interviews before reaching a unanimous decision to recommend Powar for the position.

“The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Mr. Ashok Malhotra and Mr. Jatin Paranjape, conducted a selection process for the appointment of a member of the Men’s Selection Committee. The CAC met at the BCCI HQ to screen and interview applicants and, following the process, unanimously recommended the appointment.”

The selection process was overseen by CAC members Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape. After assessing the applicants, the committee unanimously recommended Powar, paving the way for his appointment to the national selection panel.

The Men’s Selection Committee plays a crucial role in Indian Cricket, making decisions on squad composition, player selection and team balance across international formats. The panel also evaluates players’ performances and helps determine the direction of the national team as it prepares for major international tournaments.

Powar’s experience as an international cricketer and coach could provide valuable insight into these responsibilities. His understanding of domestic cricket and experience working with players in different environments may also prove useful as the selection committee assesses India’s options across formats.

Ramesh Powar’s International Cricket Career

Powar represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs during his international career. A right-arm off-spinner from Mumbai, he was known for his role as a spin bowler and spent much of his playing career in Indian domestic cricket.

Although his international appearances were limited, Powar remained involved in the sport after his playing days and gradually transitioned into coaching and cricket administration. His subsequent roles gave him experience working with players, developing bowling strategies and understanding the demands of team management.

His background in domestic cricket is particularly relevant to the work of the national selection panel. Domestic competitions provide an important pathway for emerging Indian players, and selectors regularly assess performances at that level when considering candidates for international opportunities.

As a former player who has also worked in coaching, Powar brings experience from more than one side of the game. His appointment adds another former international cricketer to the group responsible for making important selection decisions for India’s men’s team.

Powar’s Coaching Experience Includes India Women’s Team

Following his playing career, Powar took up several coaching assignments. One of his most prominent roles was as head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team, where he worked with international players and became involved in the preparation of the national side.

He also held coaching positions with Mumbai and Gujarat, gaining experience in the domestic cricket system. In addition, Powar served as a bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, where coaching and player development are important parts of the programme.

These assignments have exposed him to different levels of Indian cricket, from domestic competitions to the international stage. His experience working with players and coaching groups may help him evaluate talent, assess performance and contribute to discussions about squad selection.

The appointment also highlights the importance of cricketing experience beyond international playing records. Selection committee members must consider a wide range of factors, including current form, consistency, team balance, fitness and suitability for specific formats and conditions.

BCCI Appreciates Ajit Agarkar’s Contribution as Chief Selector

Alongside announcing Powar’s appointment, the BCCI acknowledged Ajit Agarkar’s work as chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee. Agarkar was appointed to the position in July 2023 and led the panel through a significant period for Indian cricket.

The board praised his commitment and contribution during his time in the role, formally placing its appreciation on record in the announcement.

“The BCCI places on record its appreciation for Mr Ajit Agarkar for his commitment, conviction and contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee.”

Agarkar’s tenure included several major international campaigns and notable achievements for the Indian men’s team. Under his leadership as chief selector, India reached the final of the ODI World Cup before winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. India also retained the T20 World Cup earlier this year, according to the supplied report.

His time as chairman therefore coincided with a period of success across multiple formats. The selection committee’s responsibilities during that period included evaluating established international players, considering emerging talent and assembling squads for major tournaments.

Agarkar Decides Not to Seek an Extension

The BCCI will now need to identify a new chairman for the senior men’s selection committee after Agarkar chose not to seek an extension. His decision means the board must consider candidates for the leadership position as it prepares for the next phase of its selection process.

A source quoted by The Indian Express said Agarkar had not requested an extension and that the BCCI had consequently decided to look for a new chief selector.

“Agarkar didn’t ask for an extension. As there was no interest from his side, the BCCI has decided to look for a new chief selector,” a source told The Indian Express.

The decision follows earlier reports that BCCI officials were expected to discuss a possible extension with Agarkar. In August, The Indian Express reported that board officials planned to meet him after India’s tour of Sri Lanka to discuss extending his term by one year.

That report also referred to differences surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future in ODI cricket as India considered its plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The issue formed part of the wider discussion about the team’s long-term direction and the decisions facing the selectors.

However, Agarkar ultimately did not seek an extension, leaving the BCCI to begin looking for a successor. The board’s next decision on the chairman’s position will be important as the selection panel continues its work across international formats.

India’s Selection Committee Faces Important Decisions Ahead

The appointment of Powar comes at a time when the selection committee remains central to India’s planning for upcoming international assignments and major tournaments. Selectors must balance the experience of established players with opportunities for younger cricketers while considering performance, fitness and the demands of each format.

India’s success in recent ICC tournaments has also raised expectations around squad selection and team preparation. The committee must continue to identify the right combinations for Tests, ODIs and T20Is while ensuring that the team has sufficient depth in key positions.

Powar’s experience in domestic cricket and coaching could help him contribute to discussions about emerging players and the development of India’s talent pool. His time with the Indian women’s team and at the BCCI Centre of Excellence has also given him exposure to coaching methods and player development at different levels.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the selection panel will depend on collective decision-making, consistent evaluation of performances and coordination with the team management. The new chairman, once appointed, will also have an important role in guiding the committee’s priorities.

What Ramesh Powar’s Appointment Means for Indian Cricket

Powar’s inclusion strengthens the Men’s Selection Committee with the perspective of a former international cricketer who has continued working in the game as a coach. His experience across domestic and international cricket provides a broad background for evaluating players and contributing to selection discussions.

At the same time, Agarkar’s decision not to seek an extension marks the beginning of a transition in the committee’s leadership. The BCCI has recognised his contribution while preparing to identify a new chairman who will oversee the panel’s work going forward.

For Indian cricket, the immediate focus will remain on selecting competitive squads, maintaining depth across formats and preparing for future international challenges. Powar’s appointment is one part of that process, while the search for a new chief selector represents the next major decision for the board.

Conclusion

The BCCI has appointed former India spinner Ramesh Powar as a member of the Men’s Selection Committee after a selection process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee. With experience as an international player, coach of the Indian women’s team, domestic coach and bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Powar brings a varied cricketing background to the role.

The board has also thanked Ajit Agarkar for his contribution as chief selector after he decided not to seek an extension. As the BCCI looks for a new chairman, the selection panel will continue to play a central role in shaping India’s squads and planning for upcoming international competitions.