Former Delhi star set to succeed Roger Binny, with other key office-bearers retaining roles
Former Delhi cricketer Mithun Manhas is all set to become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 45-year-old has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Roger Binny, with support from the board’s top decision-makers ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 28 in Mumbai.
Manhas, who enjoyed an illustrious domestic career but never featured for India at the senior level, is expected to be elected unopposed, according to sources familiar with the developments.
Smooth Transition at the Top
Most of the current office-bearers will continue in their existing roles, signaling continuity in BCCI’s leadership. Devajit Saikia will remain the secretary, while Rajeev Shukla, who briefly served as interim president after Binny’s exit, is set to continue as vice-president.
Prabtej Bhatia is likely to stay on as joint secretary, and Raghuram Bhatt, former India spinner and Karnataka cricket chief, is tipped to take over as treasurer. Meanwhile, Arun Dhumal will continue as IPL chairman, reinforcing his influential role in Indian cricket’s most lucrative property.
Manhas will attend the AGM as a nominee of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, where he previously worked as Director of Cricket. His administrative experience, coupled with his long domestic career, has made him a strong consensus candidate.
The BCCI has a tradition of installing former cricketers in leadership positions. Before Binny’s term from 2022 to 2025, Sourav Ganguly held the president’s chair, and he is expected to be present at this year’s AGM as Bengal’s representative.
The Roger Binny’s Tenure
Binny stepped down in August after completing his three-year term. His departure was also in line with the BCCI’s age policy, which earlier capped the retirement age at 70. However, the newly passed National Sports Bill has extended the limit to 75, leaving the door open for administrators to continue longer.
Who is Mithun Manhas?
Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas is regarded as one of the stalwarts of Indian domestic cricket.
- First-Class Career: Played 157 matches, scoring 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, with 27 centuries and 49 fifties.
- Limited-Overs Cricket: Featured in 130 List A games and 91 T20s.
- Ranji Trophy Success: Key part of Delhi’s 2007–08 Ranji Trophy-winning squad.
- IPL Career: Represented Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2014.
Although he never made it to the senior Indian team, Manhas carved a reputation as a reliable middle-order batter and occasional off-spinner.
Beyond the Playing Field
Since retiring in 2017, Manhas has been deeply involved in cricket administration and coaching. He has worked as a batting consultant, been part of IPL support staff (including with Gujarat Titans), and contributed significantly to the development of cricket in Jammu & Kashmir.
His understanding of grassroots cricket and reputation as a team-builder are seen as valuable assets as he prepares to take over one of the most influential positions in world cricket.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
If elected, Manhas will oversee the BCCI during a crucial period — from the growing global influence of the IPL to India’s push for dominance across formats. With continuity in most key positions, the board seems set on stability while placing trust in a domestic cricket stalwart to lead the way.