BCCI Elections: This Former Cricketer Is Frontrunner For President's Post

Mithun Manhas is poised to become the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi on September 28. The 45-year-old former Delhi cricketer is expected to be elected unopposed, succeeding Roger Binny. Key figures in Indian cricket have shown support for Mithun, making him the leading candidate for this influential position.

Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas has been a significant figure in Indian domestic cricket. Over his 18-year first-class career, he played 157 matches, amassing 9,714 runs with an average of nearly 46. His impressive record includes 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. Despite his domestic success, Mithun never made it to the senior national team due to intense competition.

BCCI Elections and Key Roles

The BCCI elections will see several key positions filled, including that of the president. Roger Binny's three-year term concluded in August as he reached the retirement age of 70. However, a new National Sports Bill permits administrators to serve until they are 75. Devajit Saikia will continue as secretary, while Rajeev Shukla remains vice-president.

Arun Dhumal is set to retain his role as IPL chairman. Prabtej Bhatia will continue as joint secretary, and Raghuram Bhatt is anticipated to become treasurer. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who served as BCCI president before Binny from October 2022 to August 2025, will attend the AGM representing Bengal cricket.

Mithun's Cricket Journey

Mithun was part of the Delhi Ranji Trophy-winning team in the 2007-08 season and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for teams like Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2014. He also participated in 130 List A matches and 91 T20s before retiring after the domestic season in 2017.

Off the field, Mithun has been involved in coaching and administrative roles. He worked as a batting consultant and was part of IPL support staff with teams like Gujarat Titans. His contributions have been significant in grassroots cricket development within Jammu and Kashmir.

Continued Tradition of Cricketers in Leadership

The BCCI has maintained its tradition of appointing former cricketers to top positions. This practice ensures that those with firsthand experience guide Indian cricket's future direction. Mithun Manhas' expected election aligns with this tradition, following predecessors like Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny.

Mithun will attend the September 21 AGM as a nominee from Jammu and Kashmir's cricket body, where he previously served as Director of Cricket. Raghuram Bhatt will represent Karnataka at the meeting, while Harbhajan Singh will represent Punjab.

As Mithun Manhas steps into this pivotal role within BCCI, his extensive experience both on and off the field promises a bright future for Indian cricket administration.