Mithun Manhas Elected BCCI President Unopposed After Amit Shah Meeting

Mithun Manhas Elected BCCI President Unopposed After Amit Shah Meeting

When Mithun Manhas, former Delhi captain, was announced as the new head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday, the cricket world barely flinched. The unopposed vote took place at the Annual General Body Meeting in Mumbai, just a day after a high‑stakes get‑together at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Delhi residence on September 20, 2025. The gathering, described by insiders as a “hectic but decisive” session, apparently settled the leadership question before nominations even opened. This shift away from the notorious palace intrigue that once defined BCCI elections is as surprising as it is swift.

Background of Recent BCCI Leadership Changes

India’s cricket board has been on a reform‑heavy treadmill since the Justice Lodha Committee’s sweeping recommendations in 2015. Those mandates forced a residency limit, mandated a 31% representation for women, and introduced a transparent election schedule. In practice, the changes have nudged the board toward consensus rather than factional warfare. The last three presidencies – Sourav Ganguly (2019‑2022), Roger Binny (2022‑2025) – all came from a pool of former players, signalling a tacit rule that only those who’ve worn the whites can steer the ship.

Financially, the BCCI remains the sport’s cash cow, posting a record‑breaking revenue of $8.5 billion for FY‑2024, according to its annual report. That cash‑flow fuels everything from the IPL’s massive broadcast deals to grassroots development. A stable presidency, therefore, isn’t just a hobby‑horse for the cricket‑loving public; it’s a cornerstone of a market that moves millions of dollars every season.

The September 20 Meeting at Amit Shah’s Residence

On the evening of September 20, senior BCCI officials, senior BJP leaders, and a handful of former players assembled in the sprawling garden of Amit Shah’s official residence. Among those present were the outgoing BCCI secretary Jay Shah – son of the host – and the board’s legal counsel, who walked everyone through the Lodha compliance checklist. Minutes later, a consensus emerged: the board would back Mithun Manhas as president, while the other hopefuls – Harbhajan Singh, Raghuram Bhat, and Sourav Ganguly – would step aside.

“It felt like a boardroom meeting, not a political rally,” one senior administrator, who preferred to stay anonymous, told reporters. “We were all there to ensure the next five years run smoothly, not to chase personal glory.” The presence of top BJP brass was notable; analysts say it reflects the continued intertwining of Indian sport and politics, especially after Jay Shah vacated the BCCI secretary post in December 2024 to take up the ICC chairmanship.

Uncontested Election Process

According to BCCI rules, once the nomination deadline – set for September 21, 2025 – passes without multiple candidates, the sole nominee is declared elected unopposed. That’s exactly what happened. While the board initially short‑listed four former internationals, the three who weren’t Manhas chose to “pursue other avenues” rather than file paperwork. Their state associations, including the Cricket Association of Bengal and the Karnataka State Cricket Association, formally recorded the withdrawals, leaving Manhas as the only name on the ballot.

With the vote cast on September 23, the chair of the AGM, M. Chandra Sekhar, announced, “Mr. Manhas is elected President of the BCCI for the term 2025‑2030.” The statement was met with polite applause, the kind that fills a conference hall when everyone knows the outcome ahead of time.

Reactions from the Cricket Fraternity

Former players and commentators offered a mixed bag of opinions. “Manhas may be a left‑field choice, but his experience in domestic circuits could bring fresh insights into talent scouting,” said veteran journalist Harsha Bhogle. In contrast, former India captain Virat Kohli remarked, “Stability is good, but we need a visionary who can push Indian cricket beyond its current commercial comfort zone.”

From the administrative side, International Cricket Council released a brief note welcoming Manhas, noting his “commitment to upholding the spirit of the game.” The ICC’s own chairman, Jay Shah, praised “the smooth transition and the renewed focus on governance.”

Implications for Indian and Global Cricket

Manhas inherits a board that commands an estimated 60% share of global cricket broadcast rights, according to a 2025 Deloitte sports report. Maintaining that grip while nurturing the grassroots pipeline will be his biggest juggling act. Early indications suggest he may prioritize the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) expansion into tier‑two cities – a move that could unlock an additional $500 million in sponsorship revenue over the next three years.

On the international front, Manhas will have to negotiate the next ICC calendar, especially the upcoming 2027 World Cup venues. With the ICC looking to rotate hosts, India’s role as a revenue generator could give Manhas more leverage, but it also means navigating political sensitivities, especially as the board continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

What Lies Ahead for Manhas

Within weeks, the new president is expected to unveil a ten‑point strategic plan covering everything from player welfare to digital fan engagement. Sources close to the AGM say the plan will feature a “data‑driven talent identification program,” borrowing analytics models from the IPL’s scouting department.

Critics remind us that an unopposed election doesn’t guarantee flawless governance. “We’ll watch how transparent the board’s financial disclosures become under Manhas,” warned former BCCI treasurer N. Srinivasan. For now, the cricketing community seems cautiously optimistic, hoping the consensus‑building approach that secured the presidency will spill over into policy decisions.

  • Key Fact: Mithun Manhas becomes the third consecutive former cricketer to lead the BCCI.
  • Election held on September 23, 2025, at the Mumbai AGM.
  • All other eligible candidates – Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Raghuram Bhat – withdrew by the September 21 deadline.
  • Meeting that shaped the outcome took place at Amit Shah’s Delhi residence on September 20, 2025.
  • BCCI’s FY‑2024 revenue topped $8.5 billion, underscoring its commercial clout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will Manhas’s presidency affect India’s IPL strategy?

Manhas has hinted at expanding the IPL to tier‑two cities, a move that could add roughly $500 million in sponsorships over the next three seasons. The plan also involves tighter revenue sharing with franchise owners to sustain long‑term growth.

What does the unopposed election say about BCCI’s internal politics?

The lack of competition signals a shift toward consensus‑building after years of factional tussles. While some view it as a sign of political influence, others see it as a pragmatic step to avoid costly power struggles.

Will Manhas continue the reforms recommended by the Justice Lodha Committee?

Early statements suggest he will uphold Lodha’s governance mandates, especially transparency in board elections and financial disclosures. However, watchdog groups will be watching the board’s annual reports for concrete compliance.

How might Manhas’s relationship with the Ministry of Youth Affairs influence cricket policy?

Given the September 20 meeting at Amit Shah’s home, Manhas is expected to maintain a collaborative line with the government. This could translate into increased funding for grassroots programs, but also raises concerns about political interference in sport.

What challenges does Manhas face on the global stage?

As the BCCI controls a bulk of ICC revenues, Manhas will need to navigate negotiations over future World Cup hosting rights and the ICC’s revenue‑sharing model, all while balancing domestic pressures and international expectations.

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