New Delhi: Former Delhi skipper Mithun Manhas is emerging as the leading contender to take over as the next BCCI president, sources said, as key administrators and decision-makers held an informal meeting in the national capital on Saturday.
The meeting, convened to finalise candidates for vacant posts in the Board ahead of the annual general meeting (AGM) on September 28, reportedly included Manhas and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Raghuram Bhatt. Insiders indicated that the top post may now go to Manhas, who has also served as director of cricket operations with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
Though Manhas never represented India at the international level, he has a distinguished domestic record, playing 157 first-class matches and scoring 9,714 runs at an average of over 45, including 27 centuries. He has also appeared in 130 List A and 91 T20 matches for Delhi, alongside IPL stints with Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, and the now-defunct Pune Warriors.
Bhatt, whose tenure as KSCA president concludes on September 30, may be considered for one of the other vacant positions. However, he might not contest the upcoming KSCA elections expected in October or November.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, nominated as Punjab Cricket Association’s representative for the AGM, was absent from Saturday’s meeting. It is also unclear whether former India captain Sourav Ganguly, representing the Cricket Association of Bengal, attended the gathering. Former stumper Kiran More could also be in contention, as the ruling BJP appears keen to position sportspersons in key roles, despite traditionally minimal political involvement in sports administration.
The BCCI is currently seeking a successor to outgoing president Roger Binny, along with a new IPL chairman, as incumbent Arun Dhumal prepares for a mandatory cool-off period after completing six cumulative years in office.
In addition, changes in the national selection committees were announced. Pragyan Ojha will replace S Sharath on the senior men’s panel chaired by Ajit Agarkar, while Sharath will take over from VS Thilak Naidu as the junior selection committee chairman. Former India pacer RP Singh will replace Subroto Banerjee, with the new members taking charge from September 28. The current selection panel will pick the Indian team for the two-match home Test series against the West Indies, beginning October 2.
