In a surprising yet widely welcomed development, former Delhi cricketer Mithun Manhas has emerged as the frontrunner to take over as the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement follows a high-level meeting of cricket administrators and stakeholders held on September 20, 2025, in New Delhi, ahead of the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 28.
Manhas, who never played for the Indian national team but enjoyed a prolific domestic career, is expected to be elected unopposed. His nomination reflects a broader shift in BCCI’s leadership strategy—one that values grassroots experience and administrative acumen over celebrity status.
Key Highlights From The BCCI Election Developments
• Mithun Manhas set to be elected unopposed as BCCI president at the AGM on September 28
• He will succeed Roger Binny, whose tenure ended last month due to age-related eligibility norms
• Other key office-bearers including Devajit Saikia (secretary) and Arun Dhumal (IPL chairman) will retain their posts
• Former India spinner Raghuram Bhatt likely to be appointed BCCI treasurer
• The decision was finalized during a closed-door meeting attended by senior cricket administrators and political stakeholders
Mithun Manhas: A Career Built On Consistency
Manhas, 45, is best known for his long-standing contributions to Delhi’s domestic cricket circuit. Over the course of 157 first-class matches, he amassed 9,714 runs at an average exceeding 45, including 27 centuries. He also played 130 List A and 91 T20 matches, representing teams like Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League.
Beyond his playing career, Manhas has served as director of cricket operations for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, where he was credited with modernizing training infrastructure and mentoring young talent. His administrative experience and reputation for discipline have made him a respected figure in cricketing circles.
Leadership Transition And Strategic Continuity
The transition from Roger Binny to Mithun Manhas marks a generational shift in BCCI leadership. Binny, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, stepped down after turning 70, in line with Lodha Committee recommendations. Interim president Rajeev Shukla will return to his role as vice-president, ensuring continuity in governance.
The upcoming AGM will also confirm the retention of key figures:
• Devajit Saikia as BCCI secretary
• Prabtej Bhatia as joint secretary
• Arun Dhumal as IPL chairman
• Raghuram Bhatt as treasurer, replacing Ashish Shelar
This leadership configuration is expected to maintain stability while allowing Manhas to bring fresh energy and grassroots insight to the role.
Political Backing And Consensus Building
Sources indicate that Manhas’s nomination was finalized during a high-profile meeting at a Union Minister’s residence, attended by influential cricket administrators and political figures. The consensus reflects the current government’s preference for appointing former sportspersons to key roles in national federations.
While names like Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar were initially floated, Tendulkar publicly distanced himself from the race, and Ganguly continues to serve as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal. Manhas’s selection was seen as a pragmatic choice, balancing cricketing credibility with administrative readiness.
Looking Ahead: Priorities For The Incoming President
As BCCI president, Manhas will face several immediate challenges and opportunities:
• Strengthening domestic cricket infrastructure and talent pipelines
• Enhancing transparency in selection and governance processes
• Expanding India’s global cricketing footprint through bilateral series and ICC diplomacy
• Overseeing the continued growth of the IPL and women’s cricket
• Navigating media rights negotiations and commercial partnerships
His appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on regional development and inclusive policymaking, especially for emerging cricketing states.
Sources: India Today, Firstpost, The Daily Jagran.
