Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi cricketer, is poised to make history as the first Jammu and Kashmir-born president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Set to succeed Roger Binny, Manhas filed his nomination on September 21, 2025, with his appointment expected to be confirmed at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 28, 2025. His rise to the prestigious role has surprised the cricketing fraternity, marking him as the first uncapped player to lead the BCCI.
Born in Jammu, Manhas moved to Delhi after playing Under-16 cricket for Jammu and Kashmir. A prolific middle-order batsman, he debuted in the 1997/98 season and played 157 first-class matches, amassing 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, including 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. His leadership shone during Delhi’s 2007/08 Ranji Trophy triumph, where he scored 921 runs at an average of 57.56, ending a 16-year title drought. Despite his domestic success, Manhas never represented India’s senior team, competing against stalwarts like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.
In white-ball cricket, Manhas played 221 matches and featured in 55 Indian Premier League (IPL) games for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Pune Warriors India, and Chennai Super Kings, scoring 514 runs at a strike rate of 109.36. Known for his cricketing intelligence, he earned praise from peers like Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh.
Post-retirement in 2017, Manhas transitioned into administration, serving as a director for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) under a BCCI ad-hoc committee. He represented JKCA at previous BCCI AGMs, showcasing his administrative acumen. Additionally, Manhas coached Delhi’s Ranji team in 2018, served as assistant coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019, and was assistant batting coach for Gujarat Titans until recently.
Manhas’ appointment follows intense discussions involving senior BCCI officials and BJP leaders, with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia playing a pivotal role. As the BCCI navigates upcoming changes, including the sports bill, Manhas’ leadership will be crucial in shaping Indian cricket’s future.
