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
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 45 |
| Playing Career | 1997–2015 (Delhi, Pune Warriors, J&K) |
| First-Class Matches | 157 |
| Runs Scored | 9,480 |
| Coaching Roles | J&K, KKR (Assistant), India U-19 |
| Administrative Roles | North Zone Selector, DDCA Advisor |
| Education | Graduate, 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
| Position | Name | Zone Represented | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Mithun Manhas | North Zone | Domestic cricket reform |
| Secretary | Jay Shah | West Zone | ICC relations, media rights |
| Treasurer | Ashish Shelar | West Zone | Financial transparency |
| Vice President | Devajit Saikia | East Zone | Infrastructure development |
| Joint Secretary | Rajeev Shukla | Central Zone | Women’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
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 84% supportive | #MithunManhasBCCI #DomesticCricketReform |
| 1.4M interactions | 80% optimistic | #NewEraBCCI #GrassrootsCricket | |
| 1.2M views | 88% inspired | #ManhasForCricket #CricketLeadership | |
| YouTube | 1.1M views | 85% 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 Area | Proposed Action | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | Revamp format, reward consistency | Higher competitiveness |
| Zonal Academies | Establish 5 regional hubs | Talent decentralization |
| Player Welfare | Insurance, mental health, career support | Holistic development |
| Infrastructure | Upgrade Tier-2 stadiums | Wider hosting capabilities |
| Transparency | Publish annual audit reports | Stakeholder 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.
