Sunday Spotlight – Historic First: Jammu boy Mithun Manhas elected new BCCI President

VIKAS SHARMA

JAMMU, SEPT 28: Former cricketer Mithun Manhas has been officially appointed as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), succeeding Roger Binny. The announcement was made during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai today, marking a watershed moment in Indian cricket administration.

Manhas’s appointment is historic on multiple counts: not only does he become the 37th President of the BCCI, but also the first-ever leader from Jammu & Kashmir to head the world’s wealthiest and most powerful cricket board. His unanimous election underlines the trust reposed in him by India’s cricketing fraternity.

From Domestic Stalwart to Top Administrator

Born in Jammu on 12 October 1979, Manhas rose to prominence through a prolific domestic cricket career. Representing Delhi, he played 157 first-class matches and scored 9,714 runs, making him one of the most consistent performers in the Ranji Trophy. He also featured in 130 List A and 91 T20 matches before transitioning into coaching and administration.

Although he never donned the India cap, his contribution to domestic cricket, coaching, and his administrative acumen made him a respected figure in cricketing circles—qualities that eventually paved the way to the BCCI’s top chair.

A Proud Moment for Jammu & Kashmir

For Jammu & Kashmir, Manhas’s elevation is much more than just an administrative appointment—it is a historic breakthrough. He is the first cricketer from J&K to occupy the BCCI presidency, an achievement that has brought immense pride to the Union Territory.

Cricket enthusiasts, administrators, and young players in the region are celebrating this milestone as a moment of recognition for J&K’s growing role in Indian cricket. Local sporting bodies and fans see it as an opportunity for the region’s cricketing infrastructure and talent to receive greater attention under his leadership.

IMCSD Herald’s Earlier Forecast

IIMCSD Herald had published a story highlighting Mithun Manhas’s strong prospects for the BCCI presidency. The analysis noted that his background as a domestic stalwart and his Jammu roots gave him a distinctive edge in the election process. Today’s development has validated that assessment, reinforcing his status as a consensus-builder and symbol of inclusivity in Indian cricket administration.

Looking Ahead

Manhas takes charge at a critical time when Indian cricket is looking to balance commercial success with grassroots development. His rise from Jammu to the highest seat of Indian cricket is being hailed as an inspirational journey for aspiring cricketers from smaller regions, proving that opportunities at the highest levels are no longer confined to the traditional cricketing hubs.

Vikas Sharma

Vikas Sharma is a senior journalist with 20+ years of experience and Editor-in-Chief of IMCSD Herald. He is also the Founder & Managing Director of the Institute of Mass Communication and Skill Development (IMCSD), mentoring students through media education, internships, and skill-building initiatives. His journey in journalism began in 2005 with Early Times, followed by his role as Sports Correspondent with Daily Excelsior (2006–2012), where he covered national-level sports, events, and inspiring achievers’ stories. From 2012 to 2020, he served as Staff Correspondent with The Tribune, reporting on education, youth affairs, and sports from the Jammu Bureau. He currently works as Sub Editor/Senior Correspondent with Greater Jammu, continuing his contribution to credible journalism. An alumnus of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology with a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC), Vikas has also earned 11 international journalism certifications from AFP, Reuters, Thomson Foundation, UNICEF, and WHO, strengthening his global perspective on reporting and media practices. Through IMCSD, a Startup India-recognized institution, he has trained and guided over 1,000 students from colleges across Jammu under media internships, workshops, and certificate programs. His initiatives such as School Media Clubs and college collaborations have provided young learners practical newsroom exposure, helping them develop career-oriented skills in journalism, communication, and creative writing. As Editor-in-Chief of IMCSD Herald, Vikas Sharma combines his decades of newsroom experience with his passion for media education. He envisions the platform not only as a source of accurate, balanced, and impactful news but also as a training ground that inspires the next generation of journalists and communicators.

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