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Former Delhi batter Mithun Manhas has vowed to to be committed to do his duties with utmost dedication and passion after being elected as the new Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president. Manhas believes his proven 'work and credentials' were instrumental in him securing a top position with the BCCI.
Mithun Manhas promises full commitment towards his duties after becoming BCCI president
Manhas has already demonstrated strong administrative capabilities, having previously served as the technical director for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. During his tenure, he effectively guided the state's cricket program, ensuring its steady development through a combination of fine administrative skills and practical cricketing knowledge.
“Maybe my work, my credentials (worked in my favour to become the president). Credentials both as an administrator, as well as a cricketer (led to my being chosen),” he told The Indian Express.
It’s an absolute honour to be the president of the world’s finest cricketing board: Manhas
The inclusion of Manhas' name was met with some surprise within cricketing circles. This is primarily because the Indian board has historically favored more established, heavyweight personalities—even among former cricketers—for its top administrative roles. Manhas, who has now replaced Roger Binny, comes into the role after having served as an administrator for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) over the last few years.
“It’s an absolute honour to be the president of the world’s finest cricketing board. And it’s at the same time, a huge responsibility as well. I give my assurance that I’ll be committed to do it to the best of my abilities and with dedication and passion,” Manhas added.
The 45-year-old expressed confidence in his new role, stating that his experience working at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has equipped him with numerous ideas that will directly assist him in performing his duties for the BCCI.
The Indian board has successfully installed several new office bearers, with all candidates having been elected unopposed. The new appointments joining Manhas include Rajeev Shukla as Vice-President, Devajit Saikia as Secretary, Prabhtej Bhatia as Joint Secretary, and Raghuram Bhatt as Treasurer. Additionally, Jaydev Shah was appointed as a member of the Apex Council.
“As an administrator, as a cricketer, as well, for the past 4 years, I’ve been working at the JKCA. And we qualified (for Ranji Trophy quarterfinals) too. The whole agenda is development and to take BCCI forward,” he concluded.
Mithun Manhas' domestic career
Notably, Manhas filed his nomination for the top post on September 21. His appointment is notably consistent with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, mandated by the Supreme Court, which requires a former player to hold a leadership position within the board. The Jammu-born Manhas boasts a long and impressive domestic career as a Delhi cricketer, spanning from the 1997-98 season to 2016-17. During this time, the middle-order batter played 157 First-Class, 130 List A, and 55 IPL matches. His First-Class record is particularly outstanding, featuring 9,714 runs and 27 centuries, complemented by 4,126 runs in List A cricket. Towards the end of his playing days, he returned to Jammu and Kashmir, where he played for one season before transitioning into cricket administration. He subsequently became a part of the sub-committee formed by the BCCI to oversee the cricket affairs of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
Beyond his administrative role, Manhas has extensive coaching experience. He has worked with several high-profile teams, including Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Titans. Furthermore, he has lent his expertise internationally, serving as a consultant for Bangladesh's U-19 men’s cricket team.
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