New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) BCCI president Mithun Manhas emphasized that his new role entails a significant responsibility, clarifying that it represents a legacy that must be upheld. Manhas was appointed as the board's chair during the Annual General Meeting at the board's headquarters in Mumbai on September 28.

The position became available after Roger Binny resigned in August 2025, leading to Rajeev Shukla serving as interim president. With his election, Manhas joins the ranks of only two other former cricketers, Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny, to take on the presidency.

In an exclusive interview with IANS on Sunday, Manhas acknowledged the weight of his responsibilities, stating, “The role of BCCI President comes with a great responsibility - it is a legacy that must be carried forward. We are prepared for it; our team is equipped, and we will endeavor to elevate both the women's and men's teams, ensuring Indian cricket continues its ascent.”

Commenting on Team India’s recent historic Women’s World Cup victory, Manhas credited much of the success to Jay Shah, the former board secretary and current ICC chairperson. He lauded Shah for his role in advancing Indian women’s cricket and acknowledged that his contributions have been pivotal to the team’s international success.

“The preparations for our women’s team that triumphed in the 2025 World Cup started nearly two decades ago, around 2006 or 2007, with the BCCI taking charge. Significant groundwork has been laid since then. Jay Shah, the then General Secretary, played a crucial role in elevating the women’s team to this level by ensuring they receive equal pay to the men’s team,” he stated.

“Furthermore, the introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the launch of the Under-15 women’s tournament a few years ago have been instrumental. Shah's initiatives, even while managing responsibilities at the ICC, such as enhancing salaries and prize money, deserve commendation,” he added.

Manhas further attributed the recent achievements of the Indian women’s cricket team not only to the current players but also to former players whose relentless efforts laid the groundwork for this success. Referring to them as the “true heroes,” he mentioned that this victory has invigorated women’s cricket across the nation and motivated greater grassroots participation.

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