Who is Mithun Manhas?
The Indian cricketing world is buzzing over Mithun Manhas, who has been announced as the 37th president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Reported by key ministers and media outlets, the appointment marks a historic moment in Indian cricket because Manhas is widely cited as the first Indian cricketer who never played international cricket to head the BCCI. While he may be unfamiliar to some national audiences, his career in domestic cricket and leadership in Jammu & Kashmir cricket have earned him this national-stage responsibility.
Born in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and raised in and around Delhi, Manhas went on to become a towering figure in domestic cricket. By the mid-2000s he had established himself as a dependable batsman and an astute leader. At 45 (as reported), his journey from a regional stalwart to the helm of India’s cricket administration reflects a broader trend: administrators with deep domestic experience can bring fresh perspectives to the BCCI’s strategic decisions.
Domestic career and leadership
Mithun Manhas’ first-class record speaks to longevity and consistency. He represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy for many seasons, amassing 9,714 runs in 157 appearances, including 27 centuries. In List A cricket, he added 4,126 runs, underscoring his adaptability across formats. His leadership in the Delhi Ranji team—often steering the squad through challenging conditions—established his reputation as a captain who could extract results from diverse setups.
Beyond the domestic circuit, Manhas has contributed to Indian cricket through administrative and developmental roles in Jammu & Kashmir. He has balanced playing stints with responsibilities that help shape pathways for young cricketers in a region known for producing talent despite its relatively limited infrastructure compared to hub states. This dual exposure to on-field leadership and off-field administration is precisely the experience many believe will help him navigate the BCCI’s evolving governance needs.
IPL and professional backdrop
Manhas also tested himself in the Indian Premier League arena. His stints with teams such as Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab, and Pune Warriors exposed him to the modern, high-pressure ecosystem of Indian cricket. Sharing locker rooms with legends like Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh provided him with a front-row view of elite professionalism, strategic planning, and team culture—insights he can translate into BCCI governance and domestic cricket development.
Path to the BCCI presidency
The transition from a long-serving domestic player and administrator to the BCCI president is notable for its emphasis on governance and development rather than on international credentials. Historically, presidents have been former international stars who carried significant playing experience at the highest level, but Manhas’ appointment signals a broader trust in leaders who understand the grassroots, domestic structures, and administrative complexities of Indian cricket.
Salary, perks, and the honorary status
In India, the BCCI president holds an honorary position in spirit, with no salary attached to the title. However, presidents typically receive expense allowances that cover daily costs, travel, and official duties, and various reports have suggested that the role can entail an annual package approaching several crores when all allowances and official reimbursements are considered. The important distinction is that the core position itself is not a salaried post, even as associated expenditures are covered by the association’s policies.
What this means for Indian cricket
Manhas’ elevation to the BCCI presidency is seen in many quarters as an opportunity to bolster domestic cricket’s competitiveness, improve player facilities, and enhance talent development pipelines. With his deep ties to Delhi cricket and Jammu & Kashmir’s cricket ecosystem, he could champion more inclusive opportunities for players from varied backgrounds, ensuring that domestic platforms remain robust feeders for national teams. His leadership style—grounded in domestic success and administrative experience—could steer policy toward infrastructure improvements, scholarship schemes for young cricketers, and smarter talent scouting across the country.
Conclusion
As Mithun Manhas steps into the BCCI presidency, Indian cricket watches closely to see how a leader with a rich domestic résumé and no international playing career will shape the sport’s governance. If his track record in domestic cricket and regional administration is any indicator, the coming years may bring strengthened domestic circuits, better player development pathways, and a more participative governance model that aligns with India’s evolving cricket landscape.
