Parthiv Patel did not apply for the West Zone BCCI selector role by the October 14 deadline. This decision means Pragyan Ojha continues as chairman for the rest of his term. Parthiv now plans to focus on his coaching work and broadcasting commitments instead of joining the senior selection committee.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, widely tipped to replace Ajit Agarkar as the West Zone representative on the BCCI senior men's selection committee, has not applied for the position, paving the way for Pragyan Ojha to continue as chairman for the remainder of his tenure.
The deadline for applications to fill the West Zone vacancy ended on Wednesday, with Parthiv opting to stay away from the selection process.
"Don't know if the BCCI would extend the deadline, but Parthiv had not applied till 5 pm on October 14. The situation could change if the deadline is extended or he changes his mind," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Ojha, the South Zone representative, is set to continue as chairman for the remainder of his term, with his higher number of Test appearances among the existing selectors strengthening his candidature.
Will Powar take over from West?
Ramesh Powar, who was widely expected to become chairman of the junior men's selection committee, could now emerge as a contender for the senior selector's position from the West Zone.
Former India wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe is another name doing the rounds. Both Powar and Dighe had applied when selectors' positions were last advertised.
However, the pool of prominent eligible candidates from the West Zone appears limited, unless the BCCI decides to extend the deadline and allow Parthiv to apply.
As things stand, Parthiv looks set to continue with the Gujarat Titans’ coaching staff and his broadcasting commitments rather than take up a role on the senior selection committee.