On Tuesday, the BCCI invited applications to replace three outgoing selectors on the senior men’s committee, making 30 first-class matches a minimum eligibility criteria, in addition to placing an age limit of 60 for potential candidates.
The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, November 15.
However, it goes without saying that preference will be given to international experience (7 tests or a combination of 10 ODI and 20 first-class matches).
The three outgoing selectors are Devang Gandhi (East Zone), Sarandeep Singh (North Zone) and Jatin Paranjape (West Zone).
Although the BCCI has officially eliminated the zonal policy, the convention has been to replace the candidate from the same zone that Sunil Joshi (South) replaced MSK Prasad, who was the chairman of the last committee.
Similarly, Rajasthan’s Gagan Khoda was replaced by Railways’ Harvinder Singh as the central zone coach last February.
The applications of all those who had come forward during the last phase, such as Ajit Agarkar from Mumbai and Maninder Singh from Delhi, are expected to remain valid.
The chairman of the senior national committee will be the person with the maximum number of international matches and therefore Joshi could be replaced if the Cricket Advisory Committee, headed by Madan Lal along with RP Singh and Sulakshana Naik, finds someone who has played more than 15 Tests and 69 ODI (Joshi’s international experience).
The senior selection committee’s work includes choosing coaches for India, India A, Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, Challenger Trophy teams and Rest of India (for the Irani Cup).
The key area of responsibility will include “selecting the best possible teams in a fair and transparent manner.”
“Plan and prepare a strong bench for the national team.”
They will also need to attend team meetings when necessary, along with extensive travel to watch national and international matches.
Candidates will be called for personal interviews according to the notification.
