Mithun Manhas files nomination for BCCI president; Rajeev Shukla confirms his ascension: 'A panel is ready'

Mithun Manhas filed the nomination for the post of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president at the headquarters in Mumbai on Sunday, as the vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed to reporters that the former First-Class cricketer is set to take over from Roger Binny , who turned 70 in July this year and became ineligible to seek a second tenure.

Manhas was reportedly picked as the new BCCI president at a high-profile meeting that was held at a Union Minister’s residence in Delhi on Saturday. The meeting involved all the big names in Indian cricket administration, including BCCI vice-president Shukla and secretary Devajit Saikia.

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As per reports, keeping with the trend of nominating former cricketers to the BCCI’s top post, former Delhi batter Mithun Manhas — who has also worked as an administrator with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) — was picked ahead of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Raghuram Bhat.

While Bhat has played two Test matches for India, Manhas has never played an international game for the Indian team. Bhat is now expected to be appointed as the treasurer.

Shukla confirms Manhas as new BCCI president

Saturday’s meeting has effectively turned the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) into a mere formality, with Manhas set to be picked as the next president unopposed. He was also seen at the BCCI headquarters on Sunday after filing his nomination.

While speaking to the media, Shukla confirmed that Manhas is set to be the next BCCI president, while he will continue in the deputy post. Saikia will also remain the secretary, and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as the joint secretary.

“I have come to file nomination,” Shukla told the reporters at the BCCI office. “A panel is ready, with Mithun Manhas for the post of president, me for vice president, Devajit Saikia for secretary, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia for joint secretary and Raghuram Bhatt for treasurer.

“There is a nomination for the names decided for the governing council. So, a new body is being formed for the next tenure. Good luck to all.”

The BCCI AGM will take place on 28 September.