Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has formally applied for the position of senior national selector for men’s cricket. The vacancy arose after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted not to extend Ajit Agarkar’s contract.
“Yes, I have applied for the job,” Jaffer confirmed in a statement to the Press Trust of India (PTI).
Jaffer, now 48, enjoyed a significant Test career from 2000 to 2008. Over 31 matches, he amassed 1944 runs, including five centuries, at an average of 34.10. Notably, he had impressive double-hundreds against both the West Indies and Pakistan. In 2006, he also played two One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.
Despite limited ODI appearances, Jaffer boasts an illustrious domestic career. He holds the record for most runs and centuries in the Ranji Trophy’s history. In first-class cricket, he scored 19,410 runs and made 57 centuries over 260 games, maintaining an average of over 50. Beginning his senior cricket journey with Mumbai in the 1996-97 season, he concluded his career with Vidarbha.
Should the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, select him, Jaffer’s experience in 31 Tests would see him chair the committee. This experience surpasses that of fellow candidate Pragyan Ojha, who has participated in 24 Tests. RP Singh, Ajay Ratra, and Shiv Sunder Das are among the current selectors.
Jaffer’s wealth of experience could bring a fresh perspective to the selection committee, offering both depth and historical insight into the game.
