Mumbai: Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar has been appointed as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Men’s Selection Committee, the board announced on Monday.

Powar, who has represented India in international cricket and held coaching positions at several levels, brings experience as both a former international player and a coach to the selection panel. He previously served as head coach of the Indian women’s cricket team and worked with the Mumbai and Gujarat teams. He was also associated with the BCCI Centre of Excellence as a bowling coach.

The appointment followed a selection process conducted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape. According to the BCCI, the committee screened and interviewed applicants at its headquarters before unanimously recommending Powar for the position.

Cricket Advisory Committee recommends Powar

In its announcement, the BCCI said the CAC conducted the selection process to appoint a member to the Men’s Selection Committee. The committee met at the BCCI headquarters to assess the applicants and conduct interviews before arriving at its decision.

The board confirmed that the recommendation was unanimous, paving the way for Powar’s appointment.

The selection committee plays a crucial role in Indian cricket, with responsibilities that include selecting squads for international matches and major tournaments, assessing player performances and helping shape the team’s composition across formats.

The appointment comes as Indian cricket continues to prepare for upcoming international assignments and long-term competitions. Selectors are expected to balance current form, experience, fitness and future potential while making decisions on squad composition.

Powar’s international playing career

Powar represented India in two Test matches and 31 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). A right-arm off-spinner from Mumbai, he was known for his spin bowling and domestic cricket experience.

Following his playing career, Powar moved into coaching and took up assignments involving both men’s and women’s cricket. His experience across different teams and coaching environments has given him exposure to player development, tactical planning and performance assessment.

His tenure as head coach of the Indian women’s team was among his prominent coaching assignments. He also worked with Mumbai and Gujarat teams, gaining experience in the domestic cricket structure.

At the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Powar served as a bowling coach, contributing to the development of players and working within the board’s broader cricket development framework.

His transition from international cricket to coaching and now selection responsibilities reflects the range of roles former players can undertake within the sport.

BCCI acknowledges Ajit Agarkar’s contribution

Alongside announcing Powar’s appointment, the BCCI placed on record its appreciation for Ajit Agarkar, who served as chairman of the Men’s Selection Committee.

The board acknowledged Agarkar’s commitment, conviction and contribution during his tenure.

Agarkar was appointed chairman of selectors in July 2023. During his time in the role, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup before winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. India also retained the T20 World Cup in 2026, according to the report.

His tenure therefore coincided with several significant achievements for the Indian men’s team across formats.

Search for a new chief selector

Agarkar has decided not to seek an extension as chairman of the senior men’s selection panel, prompting the BCCI to look for a successor.

A source cited by The Indian Express said Agarkar had not expressed interest in an extension and that the board had consequently decided to identify a new candidate for the position.

The report also recalled that BCCI officials had considered discussing a one-year extension with Agarkar after India’s tour of Sri Lanka. That possibility had been reported in August amid differences over Rohit Sharma’s future in the ODI format ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With Agarkar not seeking an extension, the board will have to determine who will lead the selection committee going forward.

Significance for Indian cricket

Powar’s appointment adds another former international cricketer with coaching experience to the selection structure. His familiarity with domestic cricket and player development could be useful as selectors assess talent and plan squads for upcoming competitions.

Selection decisions remain a key part of India’s preparations for major tournaments, particularly as the team balances established players with emerging talent. The committee’s work involves evaluating performances across domestic and international cricket while considering the requirements of different formats.

While Powar’s appointment fills a position on the Men’s Selection Committee, the process to identify a new chairman remains a separate matter. The BCCI’s next decision on the leadership of the panel will determine who oversees the committee’s work in the coming period.