Former Delhi cricketer Mithun Manhas is likely to file his nomination for the president’s post of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 45-year-old has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Roger Binny after key decision-makers in Indian cricket met on Saturday to discuss candidates for several positions, including treasurer and Indian Premier League chairman.
The BCCI will elect its new office-bearers on Sunday, September 28, at the Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. Mithun, who never played for India, is set to be elected unopposed, sources have said. Mithun seems to have the backing of the top brass of the BCCI for one of the most powerful jobs in world cricket.
Mithun Manhas will attend next the September 21 AGM as a nominee of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket body. Former India spinner Raghuram Bhatt will represent Karnataka while legendary Harbhajan Singh will represent Punjab.
Devajit Saikia is set to continue as BCCI secretary, while Rajeev Shukla — who served as interim president after Binny’s tenure ended last month — will remain vice-president.
Prabtej Bhatia will continue as joint secretary, and former India spinner and Karnataka cricket chief Raghuram Bhatt is expected to take over as treasurer.
Meanwhile, Arun Dhumal is set to continue as IPL chairman.
WHO IS MITHUN MANHAS
Born on 12 October 1979 in Jammu and Kashmir, Mithun Manhas is best known as a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket. Over an 18-year first-class career which began in Delhi and ended in Jammu and Kashmir, he played 157 matches and scored 9,714 runs at an average of just under 46, with 27 centuries and 49 fifties. He batted right-handed and occasionally bowled off-spin.
Mithun is among those domestic stalwarts who missed out on a spot in the senior national team due to the riches of talent in the country.
Mithun was part of the victorious Delhi Ranji Trophy team in 2007-08.
He also featured in the Indian Premier League, turning out for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings between 2008 and 2014.
Off the field, he has been active in coaching and administrative roles: after retiring from full-time play, he worked as a batting consultant, IPL support staff (notably with Gujarat Titans), and has held roles in Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association.
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