Kashmir, 28 September , 2025 – In a landmark development for Indian cricket administration, former Delhi cricketer Mithun Manhas was officially elected as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the board’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held here today. Manhas, aged 45, succeeds Roger Binny, who stepped down earlier this year after reaching the mandatory age limit of 70 for office bearers.The election, which saw Manhas as the sole nominee after the nomination deadline closed on September 21, marks a historic moment as he becomes the first individual from Jammu and Kashmir to helm the world’s richest cricket board. Notably, Manhas is also the first uncapped player—meaning he never represented India at the international level—to assume the prestigious role, following in the footsteps of former Indian captains Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny.
Background and Selection Process
Manhas’ elevation was confirmed by BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who has been serving in an interim capacity since Binny’s resignation in August. Shukla announced the decision ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash between India and Pakistan on September 21, emphasizing Manhas’ credentials as a former player and administrator. “Mithun Manhas is a former player, and it was decided to make him the president,” Shukla stated.The selection process unfolded dramatically during an informal high-level meeting in Delhi on September 20, attended by key figures including ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, Shukla, Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley, and former BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah. Manhas emerged as the frontrunner over high-profile contenders like Harbhajan Singh and former Karnataka spinner Raghuram Bhat, aligning with the BCCI’s post-2019 constitutional mandate to prioritize former cricketers in leadership roles.Manhas filed his nomination in Mumbai on the morning of September 21, paving the way for his unopposed election today. The AGM, held at the Brabourne Stadium, also addressed other key positions, with Saikia set to continue as Secretary and Shukla retaining his role as Vice-President despite completing a five-year term.
Who is Mithun Manhas?
Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu, Manhas enjoyed a prolific 20-year domestic career spanning 1997 to 2017, primarily representing Delhi. A dependable middle-order batsman and occasional off-spinner, he amassed 9,714 runs in 157 first-class matches, including captaining Delhi to a triumphant Ranji Trophy title in the 2007-08 season, where he scored 921 runs at an average of 57.56.In limited-overs cricket, Manhas featured in 130 List A games (4,126 runs) and 91 T20 matches (1,170 runs). He made his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to participate, turning out for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors India. Post-retirement, Manhas transitioned seamlessly into administration and coaching, serving as North Zone convener for the Duleep Trophy and as part of a BCCI-appointed sub-committee overseeing the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) since 2019. His administrative stints also include roles with IPL franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans, as well as batting consultant for Bangladesh’s Under-19 team.
Implications for Indian Cricket
Manhas’ appointment underscores the BCCI’s commitment to fresh leadership rooted in grassroots cricket. In addition to the presidency, Raghuram Bhat is tipped to become the new Treasurer, while Arun Dhumal will continue as IPL Governing Council Chairman. Jaydev Shah is expected to join the BCCI Apex Council, replacing Khairul Jamal Majumdar.As BCCI President, Manhas will oversee critical aspects of Indian cricket, including the IPL’s growth, international scheduling, and domestic reforms, at a time when India prepares for high-stakes series like the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Stakeholders anticipate his player-centric approach will foster innovation and inclusivity across the cricketing ecosystem.This transition follows the Lodha Committee recommendations, which introduced the age cap and cooling-off periods to ensure rotational leadership. With Manhas at the helm, the BCCI enters a new era, blending administrative acumen with on-field legacy.
