According to reports, Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi player, is the front-runner to be elected president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its Annual General Meeting on September 28. It is possible that he may be chosen without any opposition. The support of important decision-makers and extensive behind-the-scenes discussions among senior administrators were crucial to the former Delhi captain’s development.
Following Roger Binny’s tenure and retirement upon exceeding the board’s age limit, the BCCI presidency became vacant.
As a result, a high-level meeting of senior figures and office-bearers was called to nominate candidates for a number of positions, including IPL chairman, secretary, and president. Manhas emerged as a front-runner after the New Delhi-based procedure restricted the field, and it is anticipated that a number of present office holders will continue in their positions. Interestingly, the elections will take place on September 28 during the AGM.
The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), which nominated Manhas for president, is a prominent personality in Indian domestic cricket who has been involved in coaching and administration. He attracted a lot of selectors who prefer someone with domestic structure experience over a well-known former international because of his administrative skills and practical engagement in grassroots development.
While playing for Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir, the 45-year-old scored 9,714 runs at an average of over 46 in 157 first-class matches, including 27 hundreds and 49 fifties. In addition, he played in the IPL for teams including the Chennai Super Kings, Pune Warriors, and Delhi Daredevils. He afterwards served as a batting consultant and in IPL support positions.
A lengthy meeting of senior administrators, including the current secretary and other office-bearers, reportedly reached a decision that largely maintains continuity for positions like secretary and IPL chair, even while bringing in a new president. Other names that were discussed included Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, and Raghuram Bhatt.