Reports suggest that Mithun Manhas, who played for Chennai Super Kings and Delhi, will soon be announced as the new BCCI President.
Mithun Manhas is set to Become BCCI President
Mithun Manhas, who made history as the first IPL player from Jammu and Kashmir, is now on track to become the next BCCI President. According to reports, he topped the list of candidates in the latest BCCI meeting. Over the years, Manhas has worked as North Zone convener for the Duleep Trophy, been part of Gujarat Titans’ support staff, and now serves as JKCA administrator.
Manhas may not have played for India, but he made his mark in domestic cricket. He featured in 157 First-Class matches, scoring 9,714 runs. In the IPL, he turned out for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Mithun Manhas has emerged as the front-runner for the BCCI President’s post vacated by Roger Binny. The report also mentions that Karnataka veteran Bhatt is likely to be named treasurer, while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia from Chhattisgarh Cricket Sangh is expected to take up the joint secretary role.
Key Appointments and Political Influence in BCCI
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, nominated as Punjab Cricket Association’s representative for the AGM, was absent from Saturday’s meeting. It also remains unclear whether ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly, representing the Cricket Association of Bengal, attended the discussions in New Delhi.
Former India wicketkeeper Kiran More is also being considered for a post, with the ruling BJP reportedly keen on placing sportspersons in important positions, despite the party usually keeping a distance from the day-to-day affairs of sports bodies.
Changes in Selection Committee Ahead of West Indies Tests
The BCCI is currently in the process of appointing a new president to succeed Roger Binny, along with a new IPL chairman, as the present chief Arun Dhumal is expected to step aside for a mandatory cooling-off period after completing six years in office.
In another key development, Pragyan Ojha has been named to replace S. Sharath in the national senior men’s selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. Sharath, in turn, will take over as chairman of the junior selection committee, replacing VS Thilak Naidu.
Former India pacer RP Singh will replace Subroto Banerjee, with the new selection committee members assuming their roles from September 28. The current panel will continue to select the Indian team for the two-match home Test series against the West Indies starting October 2.