Former India spinner Sunil Joshi was on Wednesday named Chairman of the National Selection Panel by the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which also picked ex-pacer Harvinder Singh in the five-member group. 

Joshi replaces MSK Prasad (South Zone), who had an extended run after completing his four-year tenure. “The Committee recommended Sunil Joshi for the role of Chairman of the senior men’s selection committee,” read a statement from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

Since retiring from all forms of cricket in 2012, Sunil Joshi has worn many hats — mentor, coach and commentator. Joshi, who made his Test debut against England in Birmingham on his 26th birthday in 1996, made 15 (41 wickets) Test appearances and featured in 69 One-Dayers (69 wickets). His international career that lasted between 1996 and 2001 is best remembered for his figures of 5 for 6 in India’s eight-wicket win over South Africa in Nairobi in September 1999.

He was named as the spin bowling coach of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab for the forthcoming season. Now with the BCCI role, he will have to forgo the IPL assignment.

“It’s an honour and privilege to serve my beloved country in a new role. I’m grateful to the CAC led by Chairman Madan Lal and members R.P. Singh and Sulakshana Naik for the faith and confidence they have shown in me,” said the 49-year-old.