Former Delhi Captain Mithun Manhas is poised to assume the role of the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As the deadline for submitting nominations for board positions approaches this Sunday, Manhas’ name has surfaced as the sole candidate for the top position, which has been unoccupied since Roger Binny resigned in August, according to The Tribune. Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, has been fulfilling the role in an interim capacity since then.
Who is Mithun Manhas?
Mithun Manhas is a former Indian first-class cricketer, born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu. He was a right-handed middle-order batsman who also had the ability to bowl right-arm off-spin and occasionally serve as a wicketkeeper. Despite having a robust domestic career, he did not represent the Indian national team, primarily due to the presence of legendary players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag as his contemporaries.
Manhas served as the captain of the Delhi cricket team for a significant portion of the early 2000s and played a crucial role in guiding Delhi to victory in the Ranji Trophy during the 2007-08 seasons, amassing 921 runs at an impressive average of 57.56 that year. Throughout his first-class career, he participated in 157 matches, accumulating 9,714 runs at an average of approximately 45.82, which included 27 centuries. In addition to his time with Delhi, he later represented Jammu and Kashmir.
The Nomination: Why It Matters
Manhas’s participation in the BCCI elections 2025 holds significant importance for various reasons:
Representation from Jammu & Kashmir – For the first time, a cricketer with strong connections to J&K is pursuing the top position in Indian cricket. This is anticipated to motivate cricketers from less prominent regions.
Shift Toward Player-Led Governance – His candidacy reinforces the trend of former players entering governance positions, ensuring that decisions are informed by on-field experience.
Surprise Element – Manhas had not been previously involved in high-level cricket politics, rendering his candidacy unexpected and potentially disruptive to existing power dynamics.
Challenges in the Election
While Manhas’s reputation in cricket is unquestionable, the race for the BCCI Presidency is typically led by influential administrators supported by robust state associations. His success mainly depends on:
Support from State Associations – To obtain votes, Manhas must garner support from major players such as Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Political Influence – BCCI elections frequently reflect wider political dynamics. As a newcomer to this field, Manhas may encounter significant challenges.
Perception Battle – He must establish himself as a contemporary, player-focused administrator who can effectively balance the demands of cricket with governance.
Cricketing Background
Domestic Career: Manhas was recognized as one of the most dependable batsmen in Indian domestic cricket, having represented Delhi for several years before transferring to Jammu & Kashmir, where he also took on the role of a mentor for emerging players. With more than 9,000 runs in first-class cricket, he is regarded as one of the most trustworthy middle-order batsmen in the history of the Ranji Trophy.
IPL Journey: He played for the Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors India, and Chennai Super Kings, contributing significant experience in T20 cricket.
Coaching Career: After retiring, Manhas made a successful transition into coaching, collaborating with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings in the IPL, while also aiding in the development of cricket in Jammu & Kashmir.