Mithun Manhas, former Delhi star, elected 37th BCCI President; a look at his cricketing achievements and administrative rise.
Mithun Manhas has become the 37th president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Manhas, the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to head the BCCI, was elected unopposed during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the board held at its headquarters in Mumbai on Sunday.
Rising from the ranks of Delhi cricket and leaving a powerful imprint in Jammu & Kashmir, Manhas has taken charge of Indian cricket’s highest administrative office.
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Early life and domestic stalwart
Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu, Manhas devoted the bulk of his first-class career to Delhi before moving to Jammu & Kashmir. He debuted in the 1997-98 season, soon emerging as Delhi’s lynchpin through two decades at the top level.
Over 157 first-class matches, Manhas amassed 9,714 runs at an average of 45.82, with 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. His highest score in the format was an unbeaten 205*.
Among his standout achievements was leading Delhi to the Ranji Trophy title in 2007-08, a breakthrough triumph following a long drought. During that season, Manhas scored a phenomenal 921 runs at a staggering average of 57.56, marshalling a team often missing senior stars on international duty.
In fact, the legendary Virat Kohli too played under his captaincy during his formative years in domestic cricket.
In List A cricket, Manhas has added 4,126 runs in 130 matches, averaging over 45, and he has contributed 1,170 runs in T20s. His versatility extended to the IPL, where he represented Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings in 55 matches, accumulating 514 runs across various roles, from finisher to supporting anchor.
Leadership with Jammu & Kashmir
Post his Delhi tenure, Manhas played two full seasons for Jammu & Kashmir from 2015-16, bringing critical experience and organisational stability to a region longing for a cricketing uplift.
His transition into administration saw him as Director of Cricket and as part of the crucial BCCI sub-committee running affairs in the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). Under his presidency, JKCA’s talent identification and infrastructure programs received a fresh impetus, increasing participation at the junior and senior levels, and nudging local cricketers closer to national recognition.
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Coaching and mentorship
Manhas’s coaching career brought further depth to his cricketing journey. He worked as an assistant coach with Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans, and was the batting consultant for Bangladesh’s U-19 squad. In every assignment, his reputation for calm leadership and grounded advice shone through, helping young cricketers adapt to modern challenges.
BCCI Presidency
Elected unopposed, Mithun Manhas succeeded Roger Binny at the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting, becoming only the third former cricketer after Sourav Ganguly and Binny to occupy the board’s top chair.
Manhas filed his nomination for the top post on September 21. His appointment is in line with the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha committee’s recommendations, which require a former player to be in charge of the board.
Heartiest congratulations to Mithun Manhas on becoming the BCCI president. The work he did with the Jammu & Kashmir cricket associations was commendable; the team has consistently reached the knockout phase in domestic cricket. Manhas, unfortunately, couldn't play for India, but…
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) September 28, 2025
Hi President @BCCI @MithunManhas Wishing you and your team All the Best going forward 🙌 pic.twitter.com/joL4TEQkF6
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 28, 2025
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