Mithun Manhas has taken charge as BCCI president with a clear vision—preserving Indian cricket’s legacy while pushing both men’s and women’s teams to greater heights. Speaking exclusively to IANS, the former Delhi cricketer described his new role as a great responsibility that must be carried forward.​

Third Cricketer to Lead BCCI

Manhas was elected unopposed at the BCCI’s 94th Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on September 28, 2025. The position fell vacant after Roger Binny stepped down in August, with Rajeev Shukla serving as interim president until Manhas took over.​

At 45, Manhas becomes only the third former cricketer after Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny to hold the BCCI presidency. He played 157 first-class matches over an 18-year domestic career from 1998 to 2016, representing Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.​

Ready for the Challenge

“The role of BCCI President comes with a great responsibility—it is a legacy that must be carried forward,” Manhas told IANS. “We are ready for it; our team is capable, and we will strive to continue the good work so that not only the women’s team but also the men’s team reaches even greater heights and Indian cricket continues to rise”.​

Manhas brings administrative experience from his time as Director of Cricket for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. He was nominated by the JKCA for the election, with influential figures in Delhi backing his candidacy.​

Crediting Jay Shah for Women’s Cricket Success

Manhas reserved special praise for Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary now serving as ICC chairperson. He attributed much of India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 victory to Shah’s efforts over the years.​

“Our women’s team that won the 2025 World Cup, the preparations for this began almost two decades ago, around 2006 or 2007, when the BCCI took charge,” Manhas explained. “A major role in this progress has been played by the then General Secretary, Mr. Jay Shah, whose contribution has been significant in bringing the women’s team to this level”.​

Shah ensured women cricketers receive equal pay with the men’s team—a landmark decision that changed Indian cricket. He also oversaw the launch of the Women’s Premier League and the Under-15 women’s tournament a couple of years ago.​

“The kind of work and initiatives he has undertaken—even while handling responsibilities at the ICC—such as increasing salaries and prize money, are truly praiseworthy. He deserves a lot of credit for that,” Manhas added.​

Honoring the True Heroes

Manhas credited not just the current players but also former women cricketers whose years of hard work laid the foundation for today’s success. Calling them the “true heroes,” he said the World Cup victory has boosted women’s cricket nationwide and inspired greater participation at the grassroots level.​

The focus on women’s cricket reflects Manhas’s broader vision—balanced development across all formats and levels of Indian cricket.

The New BCCI Team

Alongside Manhas, several key positions were filled at the AGM. Rajeev Shukla was declared vice-president, bringing vast experience in cricket administration. Devajit Saikia became honourable secretary, while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia took over as joint-secretary.​

A Raghuram Bhat, who was initially in contention for the presidency, accepted the treasurer position instead. Jaydev Niranjan Shah was elected as the sole Member of the Apex Council.​

Arun Singh Dhumal continues as IPL chairman after legal clarity confirmed he wasn’t subject to the cooling-off period. He and M. Khairul Jamal Majumdar were inducted into the Governing Council.​

Manhas’s Cricket Journey

Before becoming an administrator, Manhas had a respectable playing career. He captained Delhi for most of the 2000s and was at the helm when they ended their championship drought in 2007-08, scoring 921 runs that season at 57.57.​

He later played in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors India, and Chennai Super Kings. After retiring from playing, Manhas transitioned to coaching, serving as assistant coach for Kings XI Punjab (2017) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019). He also worked as batting consultant for Bangladesh Under-19 team from 2017 to 2019.​

Vision for Indian Cricket

With India’s men’s team consistently ranked among the world’s best and the women’s team now world champions, Manhas inherits a strong position. His challenge will be maintaining this momentum while addressing challenges like player workload management, domestic cricket structure, and expanding the sport’s reach across India.

As he settles into his role, Manhas has made clear his commitment to upholding the BCCI’s legacy while ensuring Indian cricket continues its upward trajectory.