The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today officially named Odisha-born former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as the chairman of its Senior Mens Selection Committee, succeeding Ajit Agarkar. Ramesh Powar was appointed as the new member of the committee from West Zone, following the exit of Agarkar, whose term ended on October 4.

According to BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, conducted a selection process for the appointment of the new member and recommended the name of Powar, who represented India in two Tests and 31 ODIs during his international playing career.

Bhubaneswar-born Ojha elevated to the post of chairman, based on his seniority (most Tests). The 40-year-old Ojha, who played domestic cricket for Hyderabad, will be the first Odisha-born cricketer to occupy that chair. He represented India in 24 Tests (113 wickets), 18 ODIs (21 wickets) and six T20Is (10 wickets).

The positions of Shiv Sundar Das (East Zone), RP Singh (Central Zone) and Ajay Ratra (North Zone) remained intact in the five-member committee. However, the appointment of Power from West Zone raised eyebrows as he was chosen ahead of more experienced aspirants.

According to sources, former India opener Wasis Jaffer with 31 Tests to his name, had applied for the post of a selection committee member from West Zone. If appointed, he would have been the chairman of the committee on the basis of playing more Tests than Ojha. But the CAC chose Power West Zone.