The race for the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a dramatic turn, with former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas emerging as a leading contender. A meeting of seasoned administrators and key decision-makers was recently held in New Delhi to finalize candidates for vacant posts ahead of the BCCI's annual general meeting (AGM) on September 28.
Mithun Manhas, a veteran of Indian domestic cricket, has emerged as a frontrunner for the BCCI president's post. The 45-year-old, who has never played for India, seems to have gained the backing of the top brass of the BCCI. Manhas will attend the September 28 AGM as a nominee of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket body.
Manhas's name has gained traction despite other prominent candidates like Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh being considered. According to a highly-placed official who attended the meeting in Delhi, it is "90 per cent likely that Manhas will be the choice for president".
Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas is known for his long career in Indian domestic cricket. Over an 18-year first-class career, he played 157 matches and scored 9,714 runs at an average of just under 46, including 27 centuries and 49 fifties. Manhas was also a part of the victorious Delhi Ranji Trophy team in 2007-08. He also played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors.
One key reason for Mithun's rise is his role in reviving cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. As the Head of Cricket Operations at the JKCA, he implemented improvements in infrastructure development and made the selection processes more transparent. He also introduced youth development through talent hunts and provided essentials like uniforms and gear for players and coaches. Manhas's efforts improved playing conditions by installing dome covers and increasing turf wickets.
The BCCI presidency is one of the most influential roles in Indian sport, shaping the future of cricket administration and domestic structures. Roger Binny, the former all-rounder, stepped down as BCCI president due to the 70-years age cap rule for office bearers.
The meeting in Delhi, held at a Union Minister's residence, was attended by top BCCI office-bearers, including secretary Devajit Saikia, joint secretary Rohan Dessai, treasurer Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. Senior figures such as former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah and Tamil Nadu's Kasi Viswanathan also participated.
Devajit Saikia is expected to continue as BCCI secretary, while Rajeev Shukla will remain vice-president. Prabtej Bhatia will continue as joint secretary. Former India spinner and Karnataka cricket chief Raghuram Bhatt is expected to take over as treasurer. Arun Dhumal may continue as IPL chairman, but the BCCI is consulting lawyers to check if he has to undergo a cooling-off period.
The new selection committees will officially take charge on September 28, but the current panel will pick the Indian squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against the West Indies, starting October 2. Pragyan Ojha will replace S Sharath in the senior men's panel chaired by Ajit Agarkar. Sharath moves to head the junior selection committee, taking over from VS Thilak Naidu. Former pacer RP Singh will step in for Subroto Banerjee.
