As BCCI President, Manhas will oversee India’s cricket operations, international engagements, and the board’s multi-crore financial decisions.
BY PC Bureau
By PC Bureau
Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi cricketer, has been elected as the 37th President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on Sunday. At 45, Manhas succeeds Roger Binny, who stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. This election is historic, as Manhas becomes the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to hold the prestigious position, bringing regional representation to the top echelons of Indian cricket administration. His appointment signals a new era, emphasizing experience in domestic cricket and grassroots development over international playing accolades.
The President of the BCCI occupies one of the most influential positions in the global cricketing landscape. As head of the world’s richest cricket board, the BCCI President oversees a wide spectrum of operations, including team selection policies, international engagements, and the administration of domestic tournaments. The role also entails strategic financial oversight, encompassing multi-crore decisions related to sponsorships, broadcasting rights, marketing deals, and investments. Decisions taken by the President influence not only elite-level cricket but also grassroots initiatives, academy structures, and pathways for emerging players.
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In addition to domestic and international cricket administration, the BCCI President represents India at major global cricketing bodies, including the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). In this capacity, the President shapes the global cricketing agenda, negotiates tournament arrangements, and influences critical policy decisions. Manhas’s election comes at a time when Indian cricket is expanding its international footprint and seeking to consolidate its influence on the global stage.
Mithun Manhas: From Player to Cricket Administrator
Born on October 12, 1979, in Bhalessa, Jammu & Kashmir, Mithun Manhas had a distinguished career as a right-handed batsman and occasional off-spin bowler. Representing Delhi in 157 First-Class matches, he amassed 9,714 runs, including 27 centuries. His leadership was instrumental in Delhi’s 2007–08 Ranji Trophy triumph, a season in which he scored 921 runs at an average of 57.57, underlining his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Post-retirement, Manhas transitioned into coaching and cricket administration with remarkable success. He served as Director of Cricket for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association and contributed to various IPL franchises, including Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans. His roles as a batting consultant for Bangladesh Under-19 and assistant coach for IPL teams reflect his deep understanding of player development, talent management, and team dynamics. This blend of coaching and administrative experience equips him to navigate the complex responsibilities of leading the BCCI.
Significance of the Appointment
Manhas’s elevation is particularly notable as he becomes the first uncapped cricketer to lead the BCCI. This highlights a paradigm shift in Indian cricket administration, where domestic cricket experience, strategic vision, and managerial expertise are gaining prominence alongside international playing experience. His appointment is expected to bring a focus on strengthening domestic tournaments, nurturing young talent, and ensuring inclusivity across India’s cricketing landscape.
A momentous occasion to celebrate!
Mithun Manhas has been officially declared as the new President of the ‘Board of Control for Cricket in India’ #BCCI.
What a providential Sunday for the erstwhile district of Doda, one of the remotest parts of Jammu & Kashmir, which incidentally… pic.twitter.com/I6PpEMtH2T— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) September 28, 2025
Likely Priorities Under Manhas
- Strengthening Domestic Cricket: With his roots in domestic cricket, Manhas is expected to prioritize Ranji Trophy and other state-level competitions, ensuring competitive balance, improved infrastructure, and better remuneration for domestic players.
- Grassroots Development: Manhas’s background suggests a focus on scouting and nurturing young talent, particularly from underrepresented regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the North-East, and smaller cricketing centers, providing structured pathways to professional cricket.
- Player Welfare and Mentorship: Drawing from his coaching experience, he is likely to implement programs for player fitness, mental health, and skill development, creating a more sustainable career ecosystem for cricketers beyond the IPL.
- Strengthening International Relations: As India’s representative at the ICC and ACC, Manhas may focus on influencing global cricket policies, negotiating bilateral series, and ensuring India’s hosting of marquee tournaments remains seamless and financially lucrative.
- Financial Sustainability and Commercial Growth: Overseeing sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and marketing deals will remain a priority, with an emphasis on maintaining transparency and long-term financial stability while maximizing revenue streams.
- IPL and Franchise Management: Manhas’s experience in the IPL may guide the league’s expansion, improving talent integration and ensuring the franchise system aligns with broader domestic cricket development goals.
Looking Ahead: Indian Cricket Under Manhas
With Mithun Manhas at the helm, the BCCI faces the challenge of balancing the rigors of international cricket with the need to invest in grassroots development. Analysts predict that his leadership will emphasize talent scouting, infrastructure development, and mentorship programs aimed at underrepresented regions. His intimate knowledge of domestic cricket administration positions him to enhance competitive balance among state teams and improve pathways for emerging players.
Beyond domestic cricket, Manhas will oversee India’s international engagements, including tours, bilateral series, and global tournaments. His tenure could see a renewed focus on ethical governance, financial transparency, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the BCCI’s global presence.
Mithun Manhas’s journey—from a domestic stalwart to the head of the world’s richest cricket board—symbolizes dedication, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to cricket. As he assumes this pivotal role, the cricketing fraternity looks forward to a period of innovation, stability, and sustainable growth, ensuring that Indian cricket thrives both domestically and on the international stage for years to come.
