Correspondent, 17 October: The race for the chairman of the BCCI's chief selection committee has reached an intriguing stage. Following the BCCI's decision not to extend Ajit Agarkar's tenure, former Indian opener and Mumbai player Wasim Jaffer has officially applied for the post. Speaking to PTI, Jaffer personally confirmed the news of his application.
Under the existing rules of the selection process, the member representing the zone with the highest number of Test matches becomes eligible for the chairmanship. Based on this Test experience criterion, the 48-year-old Jaffer's claim is considered highly formidable. He brings the experience of 31 Test matches, having amassed 1944 runs. His record features five Test centuries, which includes double centuries against the West Indies and Pakistan (in Kolkata), alongside a century against South Africa.
By comparison, former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha has played 24 Test matches. However, the appointment of the chairman will not be finalized based merely on the tally of Test matches played. The ultimate decision will be executed according to the procedures of the BCCI and the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC). The committee, which includes Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, will evaluate the applicants' experience.
While Jaffer's international track record makes him appear to be a highly suitable candidate, it is understood that Ojha is receiving solid support within the BCCI. Many hold a firm opinion that Ojha should be made the chairman. If Ojha is given preference for the position, the makeup of the selection committee will take a different shape. In such a scenario, former spin bowler Ramesh Powar, who played two Test matches for India, could also emerge as a probable contender to secure a spot in the selection committee from the West Zone.
