A surprise choice rises to the top
In a dramatic twist to the BCCI election build-up, former Delhi cricketer Mithun Manhas has emerged as the leading contender for the board presidency. His nomination was confirmed on September 21, the last day for filing papers, setting the stage for the September 28 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
According to a report in PTI, those in contention for BCCI posts—including Mithun Manhas and KSCA president Raghuram Bhatt—have been asked to come to New Delhi for discussions expected to determine the final line-up of candidates.
Manhas’ cricket and administrative journey
Manhas, 45, never represented India internationally, but he built a formidable reputation in domestic cricket. Over an 18-year first-class career, he played 157 matches and scored 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, with 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. He captained Delhi to the 2007–08 Ranji Trophy title and also featured in the IPL with Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings.
Off the field, he has served as director of cricket operations with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and represented the association in BCCI forums. His blend of experience as both player and administrator proved decisive in securing support.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla underscored that point, saying at the BCCI office:
“His cricketing background has helped him get the position.”
Bhatt shifts focus to treasurer’s role
Raghuram Bhatt, a former India Test spinner and the current KSCA president, ultimately filed papers for the treasurer position. He expressed his commitment to serving the board in any capacity.
“I will do my best for Indian cricket and the BCCI in whatever way I can,” Bhatt told Cricbuzz after submitting his nomination.
Alongside Manhas and Bhatt, Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Bhatia filed nominations for secretary and joint secretary, respectively. The shifting of roles also saw Bhatia succeed in securing the joint secretary’s position, while Bhatt stepped into the treasurer’s spot.
Election process and power play
The high-stakes maneuvering was marked by a late-night meeting at a Union Minister’s residence in Delhi, attended by senior figures including Rajeev Shukla, Arun Dhumal, Niranjan Shah, and Kasi Viswanathan. Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh were among the names floated in the run-up, but Manhas emerged as the consensus candidate.
The BCCI presidency is expected to be filled unopposed, continuing a trend since the 2019 constitutional amendment that has streamlined leadership selection.
A new era for Indian cricket administration
If confirmed at the AGM, Manhas will become the first uncapped cricketer to serve as BCCI president. His ascent reflects a broader push to elevate administrators with both on-field experience and off-field governance credentials.
With Roger Binny’s tenure concluding and Arun Dhumal cleared to continue as IPL chairman, the BCCI’s leadership reshuffle appears nearly complete. For Manhas, the role is both historic and symbolic—a chance to shape the future of Indian cricket from the boardroom after years of service on the field.
Mithun Manhas’ cricket career at a glance
Over a domestic career spanning nearly two decades, Manhas featured in 157 first-class matches, scoring 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, with 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. In List A cricket, he made 4,126 runs in 130 matches at 45.84, while in T20s he scored 1,170 runs from 91 appearances. A versatile middle-order batter who could also bowl off-spin, he was part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning side in 2007–08 and later represented Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League.
