How does the BCCI choose the chief selector of the Indian men's cricket team? Eligibility, Rules & Process Explained

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as the new chairman of the All India Senior Men's National Selection Committee. Ojha replaces Ajit Agarkar, who served as chief selector for more than three years.

Agarkar worked closely with the BCCI and the team management to identify and back the best talent, and the results reflected positively on the field. The former India pacer took over as chief selector in July 2023. His first major success as chairman of selectors came later that year when Rohit Sharma-led India clinched the ACC Men's Asia Cup.

India produced a dominant display in the final of the continental tournament, bowling Sri Lanka out for just 50 in 15.2 overs. The victory was largely set up by a sensational spell from Mohammed Siraj, who returned figures of 6/21 in seven overs. India then chased down the target without losing a wicket, with 263 balls to spare.

Agarkar also coordinated effectively with then India head coach Rahul Dravid, as the Men in Blue enjoyed an outstanding run at the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, they fell short in the final, losing to Australia by six wickets.

India quickly put that disappointment behind them, going unbeaten en route to winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024 in the USA and the Caribbean. During Agarkar's tenure, India also remained unbeaten while lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 in Dubai.

Much of Agarkar's success came through India's T20I side, which not only defended its Asia Cup title in 2025 but also successfully retained the T20 World Cup in 2026. In doing so, India became the first team to win the tournament three times and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.

How does the BCCI appoint the chairman of the All India Senior Men's Selection Committee?

With Ojha replacing Agarkar, many fans have been wondering why the BCCI chose him as chairman instead of the other members of the selection panel: Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Ramesh Powar.

The process is fairly straightforward. The senior-most member of the selection committee is appointed chairman, with seniority determined by the number of Test caps earned during a player's international career.

Ojha played 24 Tests for India, more than any other member of the current selection committee. As a result, he was appointed the new chairman of the panel.

Who is the head of the BCCI selection committee?

Pragyan Ojha is the head of the BCCI men's selection committee. His tenure begins on October 19, 2026.