Mithun Manhas, ex-Delhi cricketer, elected as new BCCI president

Mithun Manhas has officially been appointed as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai on Sunday, September 28. Mithun was elected unopposed, becoming the third consecutive cricketer—after Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny—to hold the post.

Succeeding Roger Binny, Manhas inherits the responsibility of guiding Indian cricket’s administration with a vision that balances growth, performance, and innovation. The 45-year-old, who previously served as Director of Cricket for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Binny after key decision-makers in Indian cricket met on Saturday to discuss candidates for several positions, including treasurer and IPL chairman.

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Alongside him, Rajeev Shukla was declared the vice-president, bringing vast experience from both cricket administration and strategic planning. Devajit Saikia was elected honourable secretary, while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia assumed the role of joint-secretary. Financial stewardship will be led by A Raghuram Bhat as treasurer, ensuring the board’s resources are managed efficiently and transparently.

The governance structure was further strengthened with the election of Jaydev Niranjan Shah as the sole Member of the Apex Council, tasked with providing critical policy guidance. Two new members, Arun Singh Dhumal and M. Khairul Jamal Majumdar, were inducted into the Governing Council, which oversees broader initiatives across Indian cricket. Their collective experience is expected to enhance strategic decision-making and drive development programs across all levels of the sport.

Who is Mithun Manhas?

Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas established himself as a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, even though he never donned the national team jersey. Known for his versatility, Manhas was a right-handed batsman, could bowl occasional off-spin, and even stepped in as a wicketkeeper when required.

With many senior players away on international duty, Manhas often captained Delhi, guiding the team through crucial seasons. Notably, he led Delhi when a young Virat Kohli made his debut, forming a strong bond with the future star.

Over an 18-year first-class career, Manhas featured in 157 matches, amassing 9,714 runs at an average just shy of 46. He notched 27 centuries and 49 fifties, with his standout season coming in 2007-08. That year, he captained Delhi to a long-awaited Ranji Trophy triumph, personally scoring 921 runs at an impressive average of 57.56, cementing his legacy in Indian domestic cricket.

Mithun Manhas’ IPL journey saw him donning the jerseys of three franchises beyond his domestic stints with Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. He began with the Delhi Daredevils, representing them from 2008 to 2010. Following that, he joined the Pune Warriors, playing for the team between 2011 and 2013. In 2014, he signed with the Chennai Super Kings, adding another chapter to his T20 career.

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