Cricket veteran Mithun Manhas, a long-time fixture in the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, has candidly described his new role as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as an enormous responsibility.
When asked about what led to his appointment, Manhas, known for his elegant batting and a stellar career spanning over a decade with Delhi after moving from his home state of Jammu & Kashmir to advance his cricket ambitions, stated, “Perhaps it’s my extensive work and proven credentials.”
He elaborated, “My qualifications stem from both my administrative background and my journey as a cricketer. During my four years with the JKCA, we successfully reached the knockout stages seven times. This prior experience will undoubtedly be invaluable. This new position is indeed a significant undertaking, and I pledge my utmost commitment, dedication, and passion to fulfill its demands.”
Having concluded his playing career as a player-coach for his home team, Manhas served on the BCCI-mandated committee tasked with overseeing JKCA operations. Under his influence over the past four years, not only did J&K reach the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals last season, but their U-15 and U-23 men’s teams, along with the senior women’s team, also consistently advanced to the knockout rounds.
Notably, at the Annual General Meeting, while Sourav Ganguly, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, was absent, former international spinner Harbhajan Singh was a prominent attendee. He made his first appearance after being nominated by the Punjab Cricket Association.
Harbhajan, a long-time zonal teammate of Manhas from their junior cricketing days, warmly endorsed the growing trend of integrating former cricketers into administrative roles within the sport.
“When a cricketer takes the helm of a cricket organization, their invaluable experience and unique insights prove incredibly beneficial,” Harbhajan stated. “This has been a positive development over the last three terms, benefiting both the players and offering these individuals a chance to contribute meaningfully back to the game.”
He further added, “The BCCI has championed this initiative, and for any cricketer, there’s no greater satisfaction than being able to give back. Having played alongside Mithun since our Under-19 days, I am absolutely delighted for him in this new chapter.”