Ravi Timbawala appointed as USA chief selector, replaces Michael Voss

USA Cricket has announced a complete overhaul of its national selection committee just days before the National T20 kicks off. Ravi Timbawala, a 34-year-old cricketer hailing from Los Angeles, is set to lead the new committee, replacing Michael Voss. Assisting Timbawala will be Nasir Jamali, Ritesh Kadu, Barrington Bartley, and Sunny Sohal.

This decision comes following a letter from former Sri Lankan international, Shehan Jayasuriya, raising concerns about 'inconsistencies' in selection policies for zonal squads.

Outgoing chairman Voss, along with Niraj Patel, Amer Afzaluddin, Orlando Baker, and Clayton Lambert, have been relieved of their duties just three months before the T20 World Cup. The previous committee faced criticism, particularly on social media, for omitting players like Jayasuriya, former Pakistani international Sami Aslam, Cameron Gannon, Brody Couch, and Jahmar Hamilton from zonal squads.

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The appointment of Timbawala, a relatively young and still active cricketer, raises eyebrows. His last appearance for the USA national team was in 2017, but he has since been involved in the Minor League T20 (MiLC), representing the SoCal Lashings in 2023. Similarly, Nasir Jamali, also 34, last played for the USA in 2015 but has been active in the MiLC circuit, most recently with the Dallas Mustangs in 2023.

The new committee faces challenges, especially concerning player eligibility. The inclusion of international players like Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Unmukt Chand, and Andries Gous, alongside the exclusion of American expats like Gannon and Hamilton, complicates the selection process. With limited fixtures leading up to the World Cup, the committee will heavily rely on the National T20 and past MiLC performances to identify potential squad members.

As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, all eyes are on Timbawala and his team to navigate through the complexities and select a squad that can represent the USA on the global stage.