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| Jammu rejoices as son of soil, Mithun Manhas creates history, elected BCCI president | | |  Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 28: Jubilation swept through Jammu on Sunday as Mithun Manhas, a native of Bhalessa in Doda district, was unanimously elected as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With this, he has created history by becoming the first person from Jammu and Kashmir—and the first uncapped cricketer—to head the country’s premier cricket body.
A prolific domestic run-scorer, Manhas represented Delhi in 157 first-class matches, amassing over 9,000 runs. As Delhi captain, he led stalwarts like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Aakash Chopra. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a successful bid and went on to play for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings.
Union Minister and Udhampur-Doda MP Dr. Jitendra Singh described the development as a “matter of immense pride” for Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is a matter of pride for us that son of the soil Mithun Manhas has become the new President of the BCCI, that too unanimously. This reflects how sports have been encouraged under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last 11 years. Mithun’s presidency will enhance BCCI’s prestige and open new opportunities for young talent, contributing to India’s global sporting standing and Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat,” Dr. Singh said.
Calling it a “momentous occasion,” he posted on social media:
“Mithun Manhas has been officially declared as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (#BCCI). What a providential Sunday for the erstwhile district of Doda, one of the remotest parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which also happens to be my home district. Within a few hours, first a daughter of Kishtwar, Sheetal, shines as World Champion, and soon thereafter, a son of Bhaderwah, Mithun, stands atop.”
Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly and BJP leader Sunil Sharma also extended his greetings.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Shri Mithun Manhas on being elected President of the BCCI. This remarkable achievement brings immense pride to the erstwhile Doda district and the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Wishing you continued success in your new role and in the service of Indian cricket,” he posted on social media.
The entire Jammu and Kashmir is celebrating the election of Mithun Manhas as BCCI chief. People see his rise as a potential turning point for the region’s cricketing ecosystem, which has long yearned for greater representation and resources.
After playing 157 first-class matches, Manhas retired in 2017 and moved into coaching and administration. He served as a batting consultant and worked in IPL support roles, including with Gujarat Titans. His elevation to the BCCI top post continues the trend of former cricketers assuming leadership positions, following in the footsteps of Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny. |
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