BCCI Presidency Race Heats Up: Why Mithun Manhas Is Emerging as a Serious Contender

21 Sep 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not just India’s richest sporting body—it is arguably the most powerful cricketing institution in the world. Its presidency is one of the most coveted positions in global sports administration, shaping not just Indian cricket but the global game through its clout in ICC policymaking, broadcast rights, and domestic reforms.

In recent weeks, a new name has begun to dominate chatter in cricketing circles: Mithun Manhas, the former Delhi captain and one of domestic cricket’s most consistent performers. Once known for his grit on the field, Manhas is now being discussed as a serious contender for the BCCI presidency.

This article explores his credentials, the politics behind the race, what his potential leadership could mean for Indian cricket, and the broader implications of a possible generational shift in BCCI governance.

Who Is Mithun Manhas?

Playing Career:
- Represented Delhi in Ranji Trophy for over a decade.
- Accumulated more than 9,000 first-class runs, making him one of domestic cricket’s stalwarts.
- Known for his discipline, resilience, and tactical captaincy.
Leadership in Domestic Circles:
- Captained Delhi through transitional phases.
- Played a key role in nurturing young talent, some of whom went on to represent India.
Post-Playing Career:
- Transitioned into coaching and administration.
- Built networks at the state association level.
- Regarded as approachable, with a reputation for understanding both grassroots and elite-level cricket.

Why His Name Matters Now

BCCI elections are rarely straightforward. The presidency often rotates among political heavyweights, state association powerbrokers, and former cricketers turned administrators.

Mithun Manhas’s emergence reflects:

A shift towards cricketing experience: Many stakeholders are pushing for leaders with strong on-ground cricketing backgrounds.
State-level consensus building: His Delhi roots and pan-association goodwill provide a base.
Timing: With the board expected to undergo transition amid reforms in domestic structures, a leader who understands grassroots realities could be key.

BCCI Presidency: Why It’s So Powerful

The BCCI president is central to:

India’s International Schedule: Approving bilateral tours, negotiating with other boards.
ICC Power Dynamics: India’s vote often decides the shape of global cricket policy.
Commercial Contracts: Broadcasting rights worth billions of rupees.
Domestic Structure: Overseeing Ranji, Vijay Hazare, and grassroots pipelines.
Player Welfare: From central contracts to women’s cricket promotion.

The Politics of the Race

Sources in cricket administration note that lobbying has intensified. State units from North, South, and West India are weighing alliances.

Factions at Play:
- Established power centers backing seasoned administrators.
- Reformist voices arguing for fresh leadership.
Key Factors:
- State votes in the BCCI electoral process.
- Alignment with political currents (many office-bearers also have political ties).

Observers warn that alliances can shift quickly. Today’s front-runner may be tomorrow’s outsider.

Manhas’s Strengths

Grassroots Credibility: Few contenders can match his track record in domestic cricket.
Bridge Builder: Known to mediate between young players, coaches, and administrators.
Fresh Face: Offers a break from the cycle of high-profile, politically aligned figures.
Pan-India Appeal: Respected beyond his Delhi base.

Challenges He Faces

Political Backing: Will need strong state-unit support, which often depends on political alliances.
Big Names in Fray: Other ex-cricketers and current powerbrokers are lobbying hard.
Consensus Factor: BCCI elections often end with consensus candidates, meaning early frontrunners may step aside.

Broader Implications

If elected, a Mithun Manhas presidency could mark a shift in BCCI leadership priorities:

Focus on Domestic Cricket: More attention on Ranji Trophy reforms, grassroots pathways, and financial stability for state units.
Women’s Cricket: Expansion of WPL (Women’s Premier League) and better pay equity.
Player-Centric Approach: Policies shaped with players’ long-term welfare in mind.
Modernisation: Emphasis on technology, analytics, and transparent governance.

Historical Context: Players as Administrators

The debate around cricketers entering administration is not new. Examples:

Sourav Ganguly’s tenure (2019–2022) was widely seen as a step towards player-driven administration.
Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid (in different roles) demonstrated the value of cricketing acumen in decision-making.

If Manhas secures the presidency, it would reinforce this trend of ex-players reshaping cricket governance.

Reactions From the Cricketing World

Former Teammate: “Mithun always led by example. If he brings that ethos to BCCI, it will be a win for cricket.”
Analyst: “The presidency is more political than sporting. Manhas will need alliances as much as vision.”
Fans on social media: Many are welcoming the idea of “a true cricketer at the helm.”

What Lies Ahead

The official election timeline is yet to be confirmed, but discussions are accelerating. Until then:

Manhas will likely meet state association heads to build consensus.
Other candidates will intensify their lobbying.
The final decision may hinge on political green signals that often dictate cricket administration outcomes in India.

Conclusion

Mithun Manhas’s name in the BCCI presidency race is a reminder of how Indian cricket governance is evolving. From being dominated by career administrators and politicians, the field now has ex-cricketers with lived experience of the game.

Whether he wins or not, his candidacy has already set a precedent—that the voices of those who have walked the long corridors of domestic cricket deserve a shot at shaping the game’s future.

For Indian cricket, the coming months promise more than just matches on the field. They may decide the course of governance that will affect millions of fans, thousands of players, and the future of the sport itself.

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