The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will face massive leadership transitions. Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi cricketer, is likely to become the new BCCI president, while former Karnataka and India spinner Raghuram Bhat will take on the role of BCCI treasurer. The appointments follow the resignation of Roger Binny, who quit as BCCI president earlier this year.
Mithun Manhas: The New BCCI President
Mithun Manhas, a former Delhi captain, is the only candidate to become the BCCI president. It follows the August 2023 resignation of Roger Binny, who vacated the post. Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI vice-president, has been an interim president since Binny left the office.
In October 2023, Manhas will reach 46 and can draw from plenty of first-class experience in Indian domestic cricket. He has played 157 first-class matches and scored 9,714 runs over more than 20 years of cricket from the 1997-98 season through to 2016-17. In addition to first-class experience, Manhas has played 130 List A matches and 91 T20s, which only helps to round out a strong resume.
Apart from his playing career, Manhas has also been a successful coach and has worked as a batting consultant for the Bangladesh men’s Under-19s, along with IPL franchises such as Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings), Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans.
His leadership experience is further complemented by his present position on the BCCI-appointed sub-committee that runs the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association.
Raghuram Bhat: Set to Become BCCI Treasurer
Raghuram Bhat, who previously played as a spinner for India and Karnataka, looks likely to take on the role of BCCI’s treasurer . Bhat is currently serving as president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and has been significant in cricket’s growth in the state.
Bhat’s extensive experience in the sport and administrative experience make him perfectly placed to take over as the BCCI treasurer. His work with KSCA has garnered him a great deal of attention, and his likely appointment to such an significant position shows the BCCI’s commitment to correct individuals with cricketing credentials at the highest level of administration.
Key Decisions and Elections at the BCCI AGM
The polls for different BCCI office bearers are on September 28, 2023, at the BCCI annual general meeting (AGM) in Mumbai. Although the nominations for the posts are yet to close, it is likely that the names that were doing the rounds during an informal meeting in Delhi will pre dominate the election process.
Alongside the roles of president and treasurer, there are a number of other leadership positions. The present BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, is expected to continue his role. There will also be Rajeev Shukla remaining in his role as vice president. Newly appointed treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia will also now take over the joint secretary role from Rohan Desai.
Other BCCI Leadership Changes
In additional significant news, former Saurashtra captain Jaydev Shah is expected to be brought onto the BCCI Apex Council, taking the place of Khairul Jamal Majumdar from Mizoram, who is expected to become part of the IPL Governing Council.
This turnover at the top is further proof of the BCCI’s ongoing attempts to upgrade its governance structure and have experienced hands making key decisions at the very top of the organization.
BCCI’s Future Direction Under New Leadership
As the BCCI prepares for its next AGM, the elections of Mithun Manhas as president and Raghuram Bhat as treasurer signify a fresh start for the association. Both have considerable experience from their playing careers and then as coaches and administrators and are well placed to take Indian cricket forward. The elections that are to be held will set the tone for how the board approaches the future of Indian cricket.
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