In a move that has surprised many in the cricketing fraternity, Mithun Manhas is poised to become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking a historic moment for Indian cricket governance. The 45-year-old former Delhi captain, who once led a young Virat Kohli in domestic cricket and later coached multiple IPL franchises, is expected to be elected unopposed at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on September 28, 2025.
Manhas will become the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to head the BCCI and also the first uncapped cricketer to hold the top post. His rise comes amid a dramatic reshuffling within the board, where former candidates like Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, and Raghuram Bhat were sidelined following intense internal deliberations and legal consultations.
Mithun Manhas – Career Snapshot and Cricketing Journey
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mithun Manhas |
| Born | October 12, 1979, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Domestic Teams | Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir |
| IPL Teams | Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, CSK |
| First-Class Matches | 157 |
| First-Class Runs | 9,714 |
| Coaching Roles | Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Administrative Role | Director of Cricket Operations, JKCA |
Manhas began his cricketing journey with Jammu and Kashmir’s U-16 team before moving to Delhi, where he became a stalwart in the domestic circuit. He captained Delhi during a golden era, leading the team to a Ranji Trophy title in 2007–08 and managing a dressing room filled with stars like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and Kohli.
His leadership style was praised for its calmness and discipline. “He was always a people’s person,” recalled Aakash Chopra, his former teammate. “He managed big names with fairness and was a street-smart cricketer who understood the system well”.
Manhas’ Domestic Career – Performance Highlights
| Season | Team | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | Delhi | 9 | 921 | 57.56 | 3 | Led Delhi to Ranji Trophy win |
| 2015–16 | J&K | 7 | 488 | 44.36 | 2 | Strengthened J&K’s batting |
| Career Total | Delhi/J&K | 157 | 9,714 | 45.82 | 27 | Consistent middle-order anchor |
After retiring in 2017, Manhas transitioned into coaching and administration. He served as assistant coach for IPL franchises like Kings XI Punjab and RCB, and later returned to Jammu and Kashmir to revamp its cricketing infrastructure. Under his guidance, the J&K women’s team defeated Mumbai in a Ranji fixture, and the men’s team reached the Ranji quarterfinals, beating heavyweights like Baroda and Mumbai.
His appointment as BCCI president comes at a time when the board is seeking to align with the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee’s recommendations, which emphasize the inclusion of former cricketers in leadership roles.
BCCI Leadership Transition – 2025 AGM Overview
| Position | Incoming Office Bearer | Background |
|---|---|---|
| President | Mithun Manhas | Former Delhi captain, IPL coach |
| Vice-President | Rajeev Shukla | Veteran administrator |
| Secretary | Devajit Saikia | Legal and cricketing background |
| Treasurer | Raghuram Bhat | Former India spinner |
| Joint Secretary | Prabhtej Singh Bhatia | Emerging cricket administrator |
| IPL Governing Council | Arun Dhumal | Continued from previous term |
Manhas’ elevation is seen as a strategic move to bring fresh energy and grassroots experience into the BCCI’s top brass. His deep understanding of domestic cricket, player development, and regional challenges positions him uniquely to address key issues like talent scouting, infrastructure gaps, and governance reforms.
Social media has responded with a mix of surprise and optimism. Hashtags like #ManhasForBCCI, #CricketLeadership, and #KohliCaptainManhas have trended across platforms, with fans recalling his mentorship of Kohli and his contributions to Delhi cricket.
Public Sentiment – Mithun Manhas BCCI Presidency
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 86% positive | #ManhasForBCCI #CricketLeadership |
| 1.2M interactions | 82% supportive | #KohliCaptainManhas #BCCIReform | |
| YouTube | 980K views | 84% curious | #ManhasJourney #BCCI2025 |
| 860K views | 88% celebratory | #CricketRoots #ManhasLegacy |
As Manhas prepares to take charge, expectations are high. His priorities are likely to include strengthening domestic cricket, improving transparency in selection, and expanding cricket’s reach in underrepresented regions like the Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.
Whether he can navigate the political complexities of the BCCI remains to be seen, but his cricketing credentials and grassroots credibility offer hope for a more inclusive and performance-driven future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified cricketing records, and official BCCI announcements. It does not constitute political endorsement or administrative advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
