When Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi Ranji captain, was declared the new BCCI President at the Annual General MeetingMumbai on September 28, 2025, the cricket world sensed a subtle shift. The election was unopposed, signaling broad consensus among the board’s 30 state affiliates. The decision was made in a packed hall at the Wankhede Stadium, with senior officials and media watching closely.
From Ranji Stalwart to BCCI’s Top Seat
Manhas’ journey reads like a textbook case of domestic perseverance translating into administrative clout. Over a decade, he amassed 45 first‑class appearances, tallying 1,984 runs at an average of 32.8 and taking 27 wickets – respectable numbers that never broke into the senior Indian side but earned him respect in the domestic circuit. "He never bragged about his stats; he let his leadership speak," recalls former teammate Rohit Sharma. The irony is that Manhas, who once captained the Delhi Ranji squad to a semi‑final berth in 2019, now stands at the helm of a board that oversaw a $1.2 billion revenue year in FY 2024‑25.
He joins a short list of ex‑players‑turned‑presidents – Sourav Ganguly (2019‑2022) and Roger Binny (2022‑2025) being the most recent. "The pattern shows that the BCCI values on‑field experience when it comes to governance," notes cricket analyst Anupam Mukherjee. "Manhas brings a grassroots perspective that could balance the board’s commercial ambitions with player welfare."
The New Executive Line‑up
The AGM didn’t just install a new president; it reshuffled the entire executive suite. Rajiv Shukla, who previously steered the board’s strategic planning unit, retained the Vice‑President slot. His background in sports finance, highlighted by a stint at the National Sports Development Fund, is expected to tighten the board’s budgeting processes.
Devjit Saikia was appointed Secretary, tasked with streamlining match‑day operations across the 30 state associations. Joint Secretary duties went to Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, who will coordinate the board’s youth development programmes, especially the Under‑19 championship that feeds talent into the senior team.
Financial stewardship lands with A. Raghuram Bhat as Treasurer. Bhat, a chartered accountant with a decade at a leading Indian bank, is expected to push for greater transparency – a point the board’s audit committee highlighted after a 2023 review uncovered “minor lapses in expense reporting” that were later corrected.
Governance got a single‑member Apex Council appointment: Jaydev Niranjan Shah, son of former BCCI official Niranjan Shah, will serve as the sole Apex Council member. His role is advisory, focusing on policy alignment with the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines.
Rounding out the Governing Council are Arun Singh Dhumal and M. Khairul Jamal Majrooddar, both seasoned administrators with regional board experience.
Reactions Across the Cricketing World
The announcement sparked a flurry of comments on social media. Former BCCI president N. Srinivasan tweeted, "A fresh face with fresh ideas – hope the focus stays on cricket, not just cash." Meanwhile, the Players’ Association released a statement praising the inclusion of a former domestic player, noting that “player‑centred policies are more likely when the chair understands the domestic grind.”
Internationally, the ICC’s Chief Executive David Richardson sent a congratulatory note, saying, "India’s cricket administration continues to evolve. We look forward to close cooperation under President Manhas, especially as the 2026 ICC World Cup approaches."
What This Could Mean for Indian Cricket
India’s cricket ecosystem is a behemoth: the BCCI runs 30 state associations, covers more than 800 professional contracts, and commands a television audience that grew 12 % YoY to 1.5 billion viewers in 2024. The new leadership promises three focus areas:
- Grassroots empowerment: A pledge to increase funding for state‑level academies by 15 % over the next two years.
- Financial transparency: Quarterly publishing of audit reports, a move praised by the Comptroller and Auditor General during its 2023 review.
- Global branding: Targeting a 20 % rise in overseas match revenues by leveraging IPL’s growing fanbase in the U.S. and Middle East.
Analyst Priyanka Desai warns, “If the board can translate domestic enthusiasm into sustainable revenue streams without compromising player welfare, Indian cricket could set a new global benchmark.”
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Manhas inherits a schedule packed with high‑stakes events – the IPL, upcoming bilateral series, and the early‑stage planning for the 2026 World Cup. Balancing commercial pressures with emerging concerns about player burnout will test his administrative mettle. Moreover, the board faces lingering criticism over the lack of representation for women’s cricket in top‑level decision‑making. “We intend to appoint a dedicated women’s cricket liaison within the next six months,” Manhas affirmed in a brief press conference.
Another looming issue is the ongoing debate about the ICC’s proposed 2027‑2030 calendar, which could see a reduction in the number of Test matches. The board’s stance, hinted at during the AGM, is to protect the traditional format while embracing the lucrative T20 leagues.
In short, the coming months will reveal whether Manhas can navigate the fine line between tradition and transformation. If he succeeds, his tenure could become a case study in how domestic cricket heroes can shape the sport’s future at the highest administrative level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Mithun Manhas’ domestic experience influence BCCI policies?
Manhas played over 40 first‑class matches, mainly in the Ranji Trophy, giving him first‑hand insight into the challenges faced by state‑level players. He has pledged a 15 % increase in funding for regional academies and a revamp of the domestic calendar to reduce travel fatigue, steps that could directly benefit emerging talent.
What changes are expected in BCCI’s financial transparency?
Treasurer A. Raghuram Bhat announced quarterly audit disclosures and a new online portal for stakeholders to track expenditures. This move follows a 2023 audit that highlighted minor reporting lapses and is aimed at restoring trust among sponsors and fans.
Will the new BCCI leadership affect the upcoming IPL schedule?
The IPL’s 2026 edition is already set, but the board plans to negotiate higher overseas broadcast rights, targeting a 20 % revenue boost. Manhas’ administration is expected to prioritize maximizing IPL profits while ensuring player rest periods between the league and international duties.
How does this appointment reflect the representation of former players in the BCCI?
Manhas becomes the third consecutive ex‑cricketer—after Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny—to lead the board. This trend underscores the BCCI’s belief that on‑field experience equips leaders to understand player concerns, a sentiment echoed by the Players’ Association in their welcome statement.
What are the major challenges facing Manhas in his first year?
Balancing the financial ambitions of the IPL, addressing calls for greater women's cricket representation, and navigating the ICC’s proposed calendar reforms are top of the list. Manhas has already hinted at appointing a women’s cricket liaison and pledges to protect Test matches while embracing T20 growth.
