The race for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presidency is heating up, with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September 28. While initial speculation centered around prominent figures like Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh, a new name has emerged as a strong contender: Mithun Manhas.

Several sources indicate that Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi batsman and domestic cricket stalwart, is now the frontrunner for the coveted position. Manhas's name surfaced after a series of intense discussions and meetings among BCCI officials and key decision-makers in Delhi. He has an extensive background in cricket administration, currently serving as an administrator of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and previously as the convener of the North Zone for the Duleep Trophy. He also has experience with the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans as support staff.

Manhas, with a long domestic career, has played 157 First-Class matches and scored 9,714 runs. If appointed, he would be the first uncapped player to head the BCCI. Manhas is expected to file his nomination on Sunday and represent the JKCA at the AGM.

The selection process comes as the current BCCI president, Roger Binny, is stepping down due to the age cap rule for office bearers. With the nomination deadline closing soon, the BCCI is aiming to finalize the new leadership structure at the AGM.

Other names that have been circulating include former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who previously served as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022. However, it remains unclear whether Ganguly was part of the discussions in Delhi. Harbhajan Singh, nominated by the Punjab Cricket Association, was also considered a potential candidate, but he was notably absent from the recent meeting.

Another potential candidate mentioned is Kiran More, former Indian wicketkeeper and ex-chief selector. More is currently the secretary of the Baroda Cricket Association and General Manager of the Mumbai Indians Women's team in the Women's Premier League.

Raghuram Bhatt, the former left-arm spinner from Karnataka, is also in contention for a key position within the BCCI. While he may not be in the running for the president's post, Bhatt is likely to secure a position in the apex council.

As for other key positions, Devajit Saikia is expected to continue as BCCI secretary, while Rajeev Shukla is likely to retain his role as vice-president. Arun Dhumal is also expected to remain as the IPL chairman, although the BCCI is consulting lawyers to determine if he needs to undergo a cooling-off period.

The election of the new BCCI president and other key office bearers is a crucial event for Indian cricket. The decisions made in the coming days will shape the future of the sport in the country and determine the direction of Indian cricket at home and abroad.