Srinagar, Sept 28 (KNS): Mithun Manhas, former cricketer and administrator with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, was elected as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at its annual general meeting in Mumbai on Sunday.

Born in Jammu, Manhas, who previously captained Delhi, succeeds Roger Binny, completing his term last month, and becomes the 37th president of the Board. His selection followed consensus among state units after consultations in New Delhi earlier this month.

During his career, Manhas played 157 first-class matches, 130 List A games, and 55 IPL matches from 1997 to 2017, scoring over 9,700 first-class runs and more than 4,000 in the one-day format.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh welcomed Manhas’s appointment as a moment of pride for Jammu and Kashmir. “Son of the soil Mithun Manhas has become the new President of the BCCI, and that too unanimously,” Singh said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe added that the decision reflects the promotion of sports over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Singh said Manhas’s presidency would enhance the Board’s image, create opportunities for emerging talent, and contribute to India’s global sports stature, aligning with Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He also noted that increased transparency in selections would help reduce disappointment among deserving players, including those from Jammu and Kashmir.

Calling it “a momentous occasion,” Singh highlighted that within hours, two sportspersons from his home region had achieved prominence — Sheetal from Kishtwar winning a world championship, and Manhas from Bhaderwah taking charge of the BCCI.(KNS).