Mithun Manhas Becomes First From Jammu and Kashmir to Become BCCI President

Mithun Manhas has been elected as the 37th president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His appointment was confirmed at the board’s Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on Sunday, where he was chosen unopposed.

The 45-year-old becomes the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to head the BCCI and also the first uncapped cricketer to take charge of the world’s richest cricket board. He succeeds Roger Binny, who stepped down earlier this year after turning 70. Binny had been in the role for nearly three years.

Manhas filed his nomination for the top post on September 21. His election follows the Lodha Committee recommendations, which require a former player to lead the board.

A Long Domestic Career

Born in Jammu, Manhas built his cricketing reputation in Delhi colours. A dependable middle-order batter, he featured in 157 first-class matches between 1997 and 2017, scoring 9714 runs with 27 centuries. He also played 130 List A games and 55 IPL matches across stints with Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors and other teams.

In the later years of his career, he turned towards administration and coaching. He was part of the BCCI-appointed sub-committee that oversaw affairs at the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.

As a coach, he has worked with IPL sides Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, and also served as a consultant for Bangladesh’s U-19 team.

New Leadership at the AGM

While Manhas takes charge as president, Devajit Saikia continues as BCCI secretary, with Rajeev Shukla staying on as vice-president. Prabhtej Bhatia of Chhattisgarh has been appointed joint secretary, while former India spinner Raghuram Bhat takes over as treasurer.