Former Delhi batsman Mithun Manhas is set to become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it is learnt. In a meeting in Delhi, Manhas was chosen as candidate for the top post. Manhas was the convener of the North Zone for Duleep Trophy and he was also support staff of the IPL franchise Gujarat Titans before and is currently administrator of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
Manhas has played 157 first-class matches and scored 9,714 runs in a career spanning 18 years. Roger Binny, the former all-rounder, who was the BCCI president has stepped down because of the 70-years age cap rule for office bearers.
Manhas as the choice for the president’s post did come as a surprise. Former India cricketers like Harbhajan Singh and Raghuram Bhatt were in fray. It is learnt that the BCCI will continue with Devajit Sakia as its secretary whereas Rajeev Shukla will retain his post as the vice-president. Veteran politician Shukla has completed five years as a vice-president.
It is also understood that former Karnataka veteran Bhatt will be front runner for the treasurer’s post while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia from Chhattisgarh Cricket Sangh is expected to get the joint secretary’s post.
Arun Dhumal looks set to retain his post as IPL chairman. However, the BCCI is consulting lawyers to check if Dhumal can continue or has to undergo a cooling off period because he was treasurer for three years before becoming the IPL chairman.
BCCI is also scheduled to conduct fresh elections for the Apex Council and for the IPL Governing Council. Jaydev Shah, the son of former officer bearer Niranjan Shah, is likely to be in the Apex Council. Jaydev has played 120 First-Class matches for Saurashtra.
As per the circular sent to all state associations, the deadline for members to file applications to nominate their representatives was September 12. The candidates can withdraw their names by September 23, while the election will be held on September 28.
