Mithun Manhas elected BCCI president, vows grassroots reform and domestic cricket overhaul

In a landmark shift for Indian cricket administration, former cricketer Mithun Manhas has been elected as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement was made following the conclusion of the BCCI Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on September 28, 2025. Manhas, who played over 100 first-class matches and served as a coach and selector post-retirement, secured a unanimous vote from state associations, signaling a new era of leadership focused on domestic development and structural transparency.

Manhas succeeds Roger Binny, whose tenure saw the successful hosting of the ICC World Cup 2023 and the expansion of women’s cricket infrastructure. The newly elected president emphasized his commitment to strengthening grassroots cricket, revamping the Ranji Trophy format, and ensuring equitable funding for state units.

“This is not just an administrative role—it’s a responsibility to every aspiring cricketer in India. My priority is to make domestic cricket more competitive, transparent, and rewarding,” Manhas said in his first address as BCCI president.

Mithun Manhas – Profile Snapshot

AttributeDetails
Age45
Playing Career1997–2015 (Delhi, Pune Warriors, J&K)
First-Class Matches157
Runs Scored9,480
Coaching RolesJ&K, KKR (Assistant), India U-19
Administrative RolesNorth Zone Selector, DDCA Advisor
EducationGraduate, Delhi University

Manhas’s elevation to the top post is being seen as a victory for domestic stalwarts who have long advocated for better representation in cricket governance. His deep understanding of the domestic circuit, especially his work with Jammu & Kashmir cricket, has earned him respect across zones.

BCCI Leadership – 2025–2028 Term Overview

PositionNameZone RepresentedKey Focus Area
PresidentMithun ManhasNorth ZoneDomestic cricket reform
SecretaryJay ShahWest ZoneICC relations, media rights
TreasurerAshish ShelarWest ZoneFinancial transparency
Vice PresidentDevajit SaikiaEast ZoneInfrastructure development
Joint SecretaryRajeev ShuklaCentral ZoneWomen’s cricket expansion

One of Manhas’s first initiatives will be to propose a zonal academy model, aimed at decentralizing talent development and reducing dependence on metro cities. He also hinted at a review of the current Ranji Trophy points system and the introduction of performance-linked incentives for domestic players.

Social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages, with hashtags like #MithunManhasBCCI, #DomesticCricketReform, and #NewEraBCCI trending across cricket communities.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Manhas’s Election

PlatformEngagement LevelSentiment (%)Top Hashtags
Twitter/X1.6M mentions84% supportive#MithunManhasBCCI #DomesticCricketReform
Facebook1.4M interactions80% optimistic#NewEraBCCI #GrassrootsCricket
Instagram1.2M views88% inspired#ManhasForCricket #CricketLeadership
YouTube1.1M views85% analytical#BCCIExplained #ManhasVision2025

Former cricketers including Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, and Wasim Jaffer welcomed the appointment, calling it “a step in the right direction.” Gambhir tweeted, “Mithun knows what it takes to grind in domestic cricket. His leadership will bring real change.”

Manhas also addressed the need for better player welfare, including mental health support, insurance coverage, and post-retirement career planning. He proposed a dedicated welfare cell within the BCCI to address these issues.

Key Reforms Proposed by Mithun Manhas

Reform AreaProposed ActionExpected Impact
Ranji TrophyRevamp format, reward consistencyHigher competitiveness
Zonal AcademiesEstablish 5 regional hubsTalent decentralization
Player WelfareInsurance, mental health, career supportHolistic development
InfrastructureUpgrade Tier-2 stadiumsWider hosting capabilities
TransparencyPublish annual audit reportsStakeholder trust

The BCCI’s revenue is expected to cross ₹12,000 crore in FY26, driven by media rights, IPL expansion, and ICC events. Manhas’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that this financial growth translates into grassroots investment and structural reform.

As India prepares to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2026, Manhas’s tenure will be closely watched for its ability to balance global commitments with domestic priorities. His election marks a shift from celebrity-led governance to performance-driven leadership rooted in ground realities.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available election results, verified media reports, and official BCCI statements. It does not constitute political endorsement or selection advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.

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