Abhiram to head KSCA men's selection panels

BENGALURU: Former Karnataka all-rounder J Abhiram was on Friday named the chairman of the KSCA men’s selection committees. This year, the association has opted for two selection panels each for men and women.

Last year, there were four committees — senior, U-25, U-19 and a combined one for U-16 and U-14 for men, while the women’s consisted of senior and junior. Abhiram will chair both the men’s committees while former state spinner Sunitha Ananthakrishnan and Sharmila S will head the senior and junior women’s panels.

The 63-year-old Abhiram is no stranger to the role, having headed the panel in the past. Abhiram, who featured in 46 first-class matches, takes over from Fazal Khaleel. The senior panel also has KL Aswath, C Raghu and Kamal Tandon.

“Karnataka cricket is going through a transitional phase, but it is heartening to see young talent emerging. Our senior team pacers have been doing well. That said, the spin department needs to improve. There are upcoming youngsters who can be groomed for the bigger stage. The mofussil regions have fantastic talent and we plan to channelise it by giving them ample exposure,” said Abhiram.

Selection committees: Senior & U-23: Chairman: J Abhiram. Members: KL Aswath, C Raghu & Kamal Tandon. U-19 & U-16: Chairman: J Abhiram. Members: MV Prashanth, Udit Patel, KM Aiyappa & Raghotham Navali.Women: Senior: Chairperson: Sunitha Ananthakrishnan. Members: Aruna Reddy, Dr Nivedita Reshme, Mukta Algeri; Junior: Chairperson: Sharmila S; Members: Rajini Kumar, Saba Siddique & Meena Kumari.