The Board of Control for Cricket in India is undergoing its most significant administrative restructuring in recent years, with the Cricket Advisory Committee conducting extensive interviews for seven critical selection committee positions on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This comprehensive overhaul comes as the BCCI prepares for its Annual General Meeting on September 28, which will also see the appointment of a new president and other key office-bearers.
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CAC Leads Comprehensive Interview Process
The Cricket Advisory Committee, currently comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe, orchestrated what sources describe as a “marathon day of interviews” conducted through video conferencing. The CAC interviewed 15 candidates across three categories: four candidates for the men’s senior selection committee, ten for the senior women’s panel, and one for the junior men’s committee.
This extensive selection process reflects the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of Indian cricket administration. The appointments will be finalized at the AGM, after which the new group of selectors will officially take charge of shaping India’s cricketing future across all formats.
BCCI Selection Committee Vacancy Breakdown
| Committee | Current Positions | Vacant Positions | Interview Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Men’s | 5 total | 2 positions | 4 candidates |
| Senior Women’s | 5 total | 4 positions | 10 candidates |
| Junior Men’s | 5 total | 1 position | 1 candidate |
Senior Men’s Committee: High-Profile Additions Expected
The senior men’s selection committee, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar, requires two new members following the departure of S Sharath (South Zone) and Subroto Banerjee (Central Zone). Former India internationals Rudra Pratap (RP) Singh and Pragyan Ojha have emerged as the leading contenders to fill these crucial positions.
RP Singh, celebrated for his role in India’s historic 2007 T20 World Cup triumph, is expected to represent the Central Zone. The left-arm pacer, who featured in 14 Test matches, 58 ODIs, and 10 T20Is between 2005 and 2011, brings substantial international experience and tactical acumen to the selection table.
Pragyan Ojha, the left-arm spinner who claimed over 100 Test wickets for India, is tipped for the South Zone position. Ojha’s memorable 10-wicket haul in Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test exemplifies the kind of significant moments that have shaped his understanding of pressure situations in Indian cricket.
Women’s Cricket Administration: Complete Transformation
The women’s selection committee is experiencing the most dramatic transformation, with four new appointments required. The terms of Neetu David (chairperson), Arati Vaidya, and Renu Margrate have ended, while Kalpana Venkatachar has also stepped aside. Only Shyama Shaw is expected to be retained, ensuring some degree of continuity in the women’s cricket structure.
This extensive overhaul comes at a crucial time for Indian women’s cricket, which has been experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and performance standards. The new committee will be responsible for selections across all formats, including preparations for major tournaments and the development of emerging talent.
Junior Selection Committee: Strategic Transition
In an interesting development, S Sharath, who stepped away from the senior men’s committee, is widely expected to become the new chairman of the junior panel. This transition represents strategic succession planning by the BCCI, utilizing Sharath’s extensive experience while allowing for fresh perspectives in senior team selections.
The junior selection committee plays a vital role in Indian cricket’s talent pipeline, identifying and nurturing future stars who will eventually graduate to senior cricket. Sharath’s experience at the senior level will prove invaluable in this developmental role.
Current vs New Selection Structure
| Position | Outgoing Officials | Expected Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Men’s (Central) | Subroto Banerjee | RP Singh |
| Senior Men’s (South) | S Sharath | Pragyan Ojha |
| Junior Committee Chair | To be determined | S Sharath |
| Women’s Committee Chair | Neetu David | To be announced |
BCCI Presidential Race Intensifies
The selection committee overhaul coincides with intensifying speculation about the next BCCI president. Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh have emerged as prominent contenders, both listed in the Draft Electoral Rolls for the upcoming elections.
A crucial meeting between top BCCI officials and BJP leadership is scheduled for September 20 at Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence in Delhi, where key decisions regarding the board’s leadership structure are expected to be finalized.
The presence of political oversight reflects the BCCI’s significance in Indian sport and society. With Roger Binny having completed his tenure after reaching the age cap of 70, the board seeks leadership that can navigate both cricket administration and broader stakeholder relationships.
CAC Restructuring: Administrative Challenges
Adding complexity to the current transition, the CAC itself is experiencing change, with Sulakshana Naik no longer part of the committee. This means the BCCI must soon appoint a new CAC member, creating a cascading effect of appointments that must be managed carefully.
The current two-member CAC structure has managed the extensive interview process effectively, but the board recognizes the need for a full three-member committee to handle future selection oversight responsibilities.
Selection Criteria and Eligibility Standards
The BCCI maintains stringent eligibility requirements for selection committee positions. Candidates must have played a minimum of seven Test matches, or 30 first-class matches, or 10 ODIs along with 20 first-class games. They must have retired from professional cricket for at least five years and not served on any BCCI cricket committee for more than five years.
These criteria ensure that selectors possess both playing experience and sufficient distance from active cricket to make objective decisions. The five-year cooling-off period prevents conflicts of interest while allowing recently retired players to eventually contribute their contemporary insights.
Impact on Indian Cricket’s Future Direction
This comprehensive restructuring comes at a pivotal moment for Indian cricket. With the team facing transitions across formats and preparing for major tournaments including the 2027 World Cup cycle, the new selection committees will shape crucial decisions regarding team composition, player development, and strategic direction.
The appointments will influence everything from immediate team selections for upcoming series to long-term talent identification and development programs. The combination of experienced former internationals and fresh administrative perspectives aims to balance continuity with innovation.
Timeline and Implementation
The CAC will submit its recommendations to the BCCI, with final appointments scheduled for approval during the Annual General Meeting on September 28 at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. This timeline ensures new selectors can assume their responsibilities immediately after the AGM, providing continuity for upcoming selection decisions.
The September 28 AGM represents a watershed moment for Indian cricket administration, combining selection committee appointments with presidential elections and other key administrative changes. The decisions made will influence Indian cricket’s trajectory for the next several years.
As the BCCI navigates this period of transition, the emphasis on bringing experienced former players into administrative roles reflects a commitment to maintaining cricket expertise at the highest levels of decision-making. The success of these appointments will be measured not just in immediate team performance, but in the long-term health and development of Indian cricket across all categories and formats.
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FAQs
When will the new BCCI selectors be officially appointed?
The new selectors will be officially appointed at the BCCI Annual General Meeting on September 28, 2025, at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
Who are the frontrunners for the senior men’s selection committee positions?
Former India internationals RP Singh (Central Zone) and Pragyan Ojha (South Zone) are the leading contenders to join Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee.
How many positions are vacant across all selection committees?
There are seven vacant positions total: two in senior men’s, four in senior women’s, and one in junior men’s selection committees.
What are the eligibility criteria for BCCI selectors?
Candidates must have played minimum 7 Tests or 30 first-class matches or 10 ODIs plus 20 first-class games, retired for at least 5 years, and not served on BCCI committees for over 5 years.
Will there be changes to the Cricket Advisory Committee?
Yes, with Sulakshana Naik no longer part of the CAC, the BCCI will need to appoint a new member to restore the three-member committee structure.
