Who is Mithun Manhas? Meet the former CSK player likely to make history at BCCI

In a notable development, former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 45-year-old, who never played international cricket for India, is poised to make history as the first uncapped cricketer to head the country’s premier cricket governing body. The BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections are scheduled for September 28, 2025, in New Delhi, where Manhas is widely expected to be elected unopposed.

Early Life and Domestic Cricket Career

Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas carved out a respected career in Indian domestic cricket spanning over 18 years. Debuting in the 1997/98 season for Delhi, he was a dependable right-handed middle-order batsman during an era dominated by Indian batting legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly, which kept him away from the national team.

Over 157 first-class matches, Manhas amassed 9,714 runs at an impressive average of 45.82, including 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. His versatility extended beyond batting, as he occasionally bowled off-spin and even kept wickets when required. This comprehensive skill set made him a staple figure in Delhi’s cricket landscape.

Leadership and Glory with Delhi

Manhas was not just a player but also an influential leader on the field. He captained Delhi with distinction, guiding the team to the Ranji Trophy title in the 2007-08 season. This season was a personal career highlight as he scored 921 runs at an average of 57.56. Under his leadership, young players such as Virat Kohli developed and flourished. His tenure included managing the team during IPL seasons, where he played alongside stars like Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni.

IPL and Coaching Career

Manhas featured prominently in the Indian Premier League, representing Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings across seven IPL seasons. Following his retirement from professional cricket in 2017, he transitioned into coaching and cricket administration. He served as a batting consultant for the Bangladesh Under-19 team and held assistant coaching roles with IPL franchises like Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans.

Administrative Role and BCCI Prospects

Mithun Manhas has also undertaken important administrative responsibilities, serving as the Director of Cricket Operations for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. His administrative experience, combined with his cricketing background, presents a strong candidacy for the BCCI presidency. Reports indicate that his nomination is backed by senior BCCI officials after a high-profile meeting in New Delhi, making him the favourite to succeed Roger Binny, who recently stepped down due to age restrictions.

A Historic Appointment Awaits

If elected, Manhas will be the first cricketer without international caps to lead the powerful cricket board. This move aligns with recent trends favouring former cricketers like Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny at the helm of the BCCI. With the election expected to be uncontested, Manhas's presidency is anticipated to begin after the AGM on September 28, 2025, promising fresh perspectives for Indian cricket’s future.