Mithun Manhas poised to take charge as next BCCI president

Former Delhi batsman Mithun Manhas is set to become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking a surprise elevation for the seasoned cricketer-turned-administrator.

In a meeting held in Delhi, Manhas was chosen as the consensus candidate for the top post, succeeding former India all-rounder Roger Binny, who stepped down after hitting the board’s age-cap of 70 years.

A veteran of 157 first-class matches with 9,714 runs to his name, Manhas has spent nearly two decades in Indian domestic cricket before transitioning to administrative roles. He has served as convener of the North Zone for the Duleep Trophy, worked as part of the Gujarat Titans’ support staff in the IPL, and currently heads the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

Manhas’ selection surprised many, as prominent names like Harbhajan Singh and Raghuram Bhatt were also in contention. The BCCI, however, has opted for continuity in other positions: Devajit Sakia is expected to remain secretary, while veteran politician Rajeev Shukla will continue as vice-president, extending his five-year stint.

Bhatt, the former Karnataka stalwart, is tipped to take over as treasurer, while Chhattisgarh’s Prabhtej Singh Bhatia is in line for the joint secretary’s post. Arun Dhumal, meanwhile, looks set to retain his chairmanship of the IPL, though legal consultations are underway to determine whether his previous stint as treasurer requires a mandatory cooling-off period.

Fresh elections for the BCCI’s Apex Council and the IPL Governing Council are also on the horizon. Among the expected entrants is Jaydev Shah — son of former board heavyweight Niranjan Shah — who, after a 120-match first-class career with Saurashtra, is likely to secure a seat in the Apex Council.

According to the circular issued to state associations, September 12 was the last date for nominations. Candidates may withdraw by September 23, with the elections slated for September 28.