New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday that it is inviting applications for five positions on its junior men’s selection committee, with an aim to reconstitute the panel responsible for shaping the age-group pathway and building bench strength.
According to a statement issued by the board, the application window will remain open until 5pm on September 5, 2026. The incoming panel will replace the current committee headed by former Tamil Nadu cricketer S Sharath, and also includes Ranadeb Bose (East Zone), Harvinder Singh Sodhi (North Zone), Pathik Patel (West Zone), and Krishen Mohan (Central Zone).
The current committee came on board in September 2021, and in 2023, former Karnataka wicketkeeper Thilak Naidu became the chief selector as Sharath moved to the senior men’s selection panel. In 2025, Sharath moved back to being the chief junior selector and replaced Naidu.
During the current panel’s tenure of five years, India won 2022 and 2026 Men’s U19 World Cups under the leadership of Yash Dhull and Ayush Mhatre respectively. Outlining the mandate of the selection panel, the BCCI detailed the scope of work for the incoming members who will oversee player progression up to the Under-22 level.
“The members of the Junior Cricket Committee will be responsible for selecting age-group teams up to Under-22 for coaching camps and for India’s junior fixtures against domestic and international opposition, both in India and overseas, across formats. The committee will also play an important role in developing a strong talent pool and bench strength for India’s junior teams,” further said the BCCI.
To be eligible for the role, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding past playing experience and administrative cooling-off periods. Applicants must be former players who have played a minimum of 25 First-Class matches and must have retired from the game at least five years prior.
Apart from squad selection, key responsibilities include vetting various support staff members, monitoring player development, appointing captains across formats and tours in India and abroad, and promoting anti-corruption awareness regarding drugs, betting and match-fixing via interactions with senior and former players.
Furthermore, the board specified that any person who has completed a cumulative five-year tenure on any BCCI cricket committee will remain ineligible for selection. Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated through personal interviews following the screening process.
(IANS)
