For the last four years, Manhas was part of the BCCI-appointed sub-committee that oversees the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA)
Mithun Manhas speaks to the media at the BCCI headquarters, Wankhede. Pic/Atul Kamble
When Delhi won their last Ranji Trophy title in 2007-08, they began the season with domestic stalwart Mithun Manhas as captain and ended it by beating Uttar Pradesh in the final at the Wankhede Stadium under the leadership of current Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir. On Sunday, Jammu-born Manhas, 45, who scored 9714 first-class runs from 157 games, including 27 centuries, was elected unopposed as the BCCI president during its 94th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
For the last four years, Manhas was part of the BCCI-appointed sub-committee that oversees the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
‘A huge responsibility’
“It’s a huge responsibility. I give my assurance that I’ll be committed to do it to the best of my ability, dedication and passion,” Manhas told reporters after the BCCI’s AGM at its headquarters at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
So, what helped Manhas succeed as BCCI chief, taking over the reins from his predecessor Roger Binny? “Maybe my work, my credentials [worked in my favour]. Credentials both as an administrator as well as a cricketer. Over the last four years, I’ve been working with the JKCA, we have done reasonably well and it will certainly help,” felt Manhas.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who attended the BCCI AGM for the first time, was delighted to see his former India U-19 teammate Manhas take charge.
“I’ve played a lot of cricket with Mithun since our U-19 days and I’m very happy for him. I hope that the things that he [perhaps] didn’t get in terms of facilities as a cricketer and from whatever he has learnt so far in his life, he ensures no young cricketer is left behind due to lack of infrastructure,” Harbhajan told mid-day when asked about his expectations from the new BCCI chief.
Meanwhile, Devajit Saikia and Rajeev Shukla retained their posts as BCCI secretary and vice-president respectively. Prabhtej Bhatia, who was the treasurer earlier, was elected joint secretary while former India left-arm spinner Raghuram Bhat will be the new treasurer.
Ojha, RP named selectors
The AGM also decided to include ex-India left-arm pacer RP Singh and former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha as members of the men’s selection committee, replacing Subroto Banerjee and S Sharath in the five-member panel led by Ajit Agarkar. SS Das and Ajay Ratra will continue as members.
Former India pacer Amita Sharma has been appointed chairperson of the women’s selection committee, while ex-India and Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Sulakshana Naik will join the panel along with Shyama Dey, Jaya Sharma and Sravanthi Naidu.
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