Mithun Manhas: Former Delhi Cricketer Poised to Lead as BCCI President

Mithun Manhas, a formidable middle-order batsman, thrived in an era dominated by cricket legends Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. His consistent performance for Delhi in domestic cricket, however, didn’t translate to a spot on the Indian national team, marking him as one of many talented players who emerged during a challenging period.

On Sunday, Manhas, 45, experienced a significant career milestone, being poised to become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Although this will be formalized at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, he is set to be chosen unopposed, as he was the sole applicant for the role.

Manhas’ ascent to the presidency may be surprising to some, but he is well-versed in cricket administration. Over the past four years, he served on a BCCI-formed sub-committee managing the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), revitalizing cricket infrastructure there. Under his leadership, the senior men’s team reached the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals last season, defeating strong teams like Mumbai and Baroda.

Manhas has participated in 157 First Class and 130 List A matches for Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this year, he shared with Sportstar that his goal is to provide robust support and facilities for young cricketers. As he succeeds Roger Binny as the BCCI president, Manhas aims to prioritize cricket and player interests.

Supporters from Manhas’ early years attest to his competence. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan remarked, “Mithun’s cricket and administrative skills are well-known, and I believe he will continue to benefit the game with his insights. He has done good work in Jammu and Kashmir, and I trust he will serve the players well.”

Manhas’ journey has not been easy. Starting with Delhi in 1998, his career has been marked by resilience and determination. Born in Jammu, he moved to Delhi to play at the Under-16 level, transitioning through U-19 to the senior team, even representing India at the U-19 level.

Throughout his career, Manhas has been known as a people person, adeptly captaining Delhi teams that included stars like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Aakash Chopra, and emerging talents such as Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. Manhas notably supported Kohli during a personal tragedy, emphasizing his dedication to nurturing young talent.

Having honed his skills under coach Tarak Sinha at Sonnet Cricket Club in Delhi, Manhas played for nearly a decade in the city before moving to Jammu and Kashmir. Although his time there included some controversies, such as a disagreement with player Parvez Rasool, he continued to contribute to cricket, eventually stepping into coaching roles with teams like Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans.

As he takes on a significant administrative role at BCCI, Manhas draws from his rich experiences, promising to bring valuable insights to his leadership position. Published on September 21, 2025.