Former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas is expected to run for the president’s post of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Manhas, who never played for India internationally, could make history as the first uncapped player to head the country’s top cricketing body.
The 45-year-old is now the leading candidate to take over from Roger Binny, after top officials in Indian cricket met on Saturday to discuss candidates for various roles, including treasurer and Indian Premier League chairman.
The deadline to file nominations will end on Sunday (September 28) and elections are set for the same day at the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM). But following recent trends, the post is likely to be filled without opposition. In recent years, the BCCI has preferred former cricketers as presidents, with Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny serving before Manhas.
Who is Mithun Manhas?
Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas is a well-known figure in Indian domestic cricket. Over an 18-year first-class career, he played 157 matches, scoring 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, with 27 centuries and 49 fifties. He batted right-handed and also bowled off-spin occasionally.
Manhas never played for the Indian national team due to the intense competition for spots. He was part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in 2007-08 and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2014. He also played 130 List A matches and 91 T20s before retiring after the 2017 domestic season.
Off the field
Since retiring, Manhas has been active in coaching and cricket administration. He has worked as a batting consultant, been part of IPL support staff (including with Gujarat Titans) and held roles in the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). He is known for his work in developing grassroots cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manhas brings both cricketing and administrative experience. He has represented JKCA at BCCI AGMs and has been involved in the board’s decision-making processes. On the field, he was a dependable middle-order batsman for Delhi during an era dominated by legends like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly, which meant he never got a national cap.