Big reshuffle at the BCCI Selection Panel
In a game-changing move announced at the AGM, the BCCI has reshuffled its leadership and the key selection panels. Ajit Agarkar takes over as chairman of the men’s senior selection committee, and two former stars—Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh—have been inducted as new co-members. On the women’s side, Amita Sharma has been appointed as the head of the national women’s selection panel, signaling a broader reinvigoration of India’s talent-spotting machinery. The changes collectively aim to strengthen Team India’s framework ahead of forthcoming domestic and international assignments.
Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh join the senior men’s selection panel
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha and pace bowler RP Singh have been named as members of the senior men’s selection panel. Ojha, who made his India debut in 2008 and played across three formats before retiring from international cricket, brings a wealth of experience from the dressing room and the bench. He represented India in 24 Tests, 18 ODIs, and 6 T20Is, taking valuable wickets and contributing to India’s white-ball and red-ball campaigns. In domestic cricket, Ojha has claimed 424 wickets in 108 first-class matches, with additional experience in List A and T20 formats.
RP Singh, who featured in 14 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, was a key pace option for the national team in his prime. He picked up 40 Test wickets and 69 ODI wickets, along with 15 T20I wickets in his international career. His inclusion is expected to bring a pragmatic, performance-driven perspective to the selector panel, especially in assessing fast bowling prospects for India’s longer formats and limited-overs cricket.
Shepherding the women’s program: Amita Sharma takes the helm
Amita Sharma has been appointed the head of the women’s selection committee. She will be working with a panel that includes Sulakshana Naik, Shravanthi Naidu, Shyama Day, and Jaya Sharma. The new leadership aims to drive higher consistency in India’s women’s cricket, capitalizing on the growing pipeline of talent and focusing on strategies that translate into stronger performances across formats.
Other key changes: leadership and structure
In the broader leadership reshuffle, Mithun Manhas has been elected as the BCCI president for the next three years. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh strategic vision to India’s cricket administration. Alongside he, Devjit Saikia will serve as secretary, and Rajiv Shukla will continue in the role of vice president. The new leadership team is tasked with steering Indian cricket through a busy calendar of home series, domestic competitions, and global challenges.
AGM decisions: a rule aimed at nurturing talent
At the AGM, the BCCI announced a significant rule for under-16 players. They will not be eligible to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) unless they have played at least one Ranji Trophy match for their state. This measure is designed to ensure young players gain critical exposure in domestic first-class cricket before stepping into the high-pressure IPL arena, thereby improving long-term development and resilience across formats.
Rationale and look ahead
The combination of Ojha and RP Singh joining the senior selection panel, Amita Sharma leading the women’s committee, and Mithun Manhas taking the presidency marks a concerted effort to inject depth, experience, and a performance-first mindset into India’s cricket machinery. As Team India eyes upcoming white-ball and red-ball assignments, the new selectors are expected to emphasize readiness, talent depth, and smart transition planning from domestic cricket to international stages.
Practical impact for players and fans
For players, the changes mean a more structured pathway from Ranji Trophy and other domestic competitions to India’s national teams. For fans, the new setup promises clearer selection criteria and a more consistent approach to talent identification. While it remains to be seen how the dynamic between Ojha, RP Singh, and Ajit Agarkar translates on the selection panel, the overarching intent is unmistakable: strengthen India’s cricketing backbone from the ground up while promoting a more rigorous domestic-to-global pipeline.
