Is Mithun Manhas the Next BCCI President?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mithun Manhas is a strong candidate for the BCCI presidency.
- The BCCI president plays a vital role in Indian and international cricket.
- Upcoming ICC elections will influence the significance of this position.
- Manhas's experience in coaching may benefit cricket governance.
- A consensus among state units will determine the final decision.
New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) Former cricketer Mithun Manhas has emerged as the leading candidate for the BCCI president’s position, as influential figures in Indian cricket convened for an informal meeting here on Saturday.
At 45 years of age, Manhas played domestic cricket for Delhi before transitioning to Jammu and Kashmir, where he also embraced coaching responsibilities. Renowned for his composed demeanor and deep understanding of the game at the grassroots level, he has remained committed to cricket development even after his retirement.
Sources indicate that numerous senior administrators view him as a consensus candidate capable of reconciling differences among state associations. His history as a first-class cricketer and his coaching endeavors are believed to bolster his candidacy for the prestigious role in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The meeting on Saturday, attended by senior BCCI members and state officials, aimed to discuss potential candidates for the presidency. While other experienced administrators were also considered, Manhas reportedly garnered significant support from influential factions.
The role of BCCI president holds substantial importance, both within the Indian cricket framework and on a global level. With the ICC elections approaching later this year, the selection of BCCI leadership will attract close scrutiny.
If elected, Manhas would join an elite group of former players, including Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny, who have ascended to lead the cricket board. Observers suggest that his appointment would signify a trend towards involving cricketers with direct playing experience in high-level administrative roles.
The ultimate decision will depend on a consensus among state units, with an official announcement anticipated in the forthcoming weeks.
In the interim, Arun Dhumal of Himachal Pradesh will continue as chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council, while Rajiv Shukla is likely to persist as the Vice-President.
The election process commenced with the date for filing nominations on September 21, followed by scrutiny and the publication of the final candidate list on September 23. Voting, if necessary, will take place during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 28.