BCCI President Mithun Manhas (R) with Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi after they won the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy title. (PTI) For Mithun Manhas, the sight of Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra lifting the Ranji Trophy was more than just a celebratory moment.Manhas has its roots in the state. Born, brought up and educated there, he ended his first-class career playing for Jammu and Kashmir. He was later part of the sub-committee appointed by the BCCI to run the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). A giant of Indian domestic cricket, Manhas played 157 first-class matches between 1997-98 and 2016-17, scoring 9,714 runs and was instrumental in Delhi’s 2007-08 Ranji Trophy victory, amassing 921 runs that season.
Exclusive to Mithun Manhas: Where has Aquib Nabi been all these years? BCCI President reveals
Today, Manhas heads the Indian cricket administration as the BCCI president. But his emotional investment in J&K cricket goes deeper than the label. In this candid interview with TimesofIndia.com, Manhas talks about redemption, reform, the rise of Auqib Nabi, infrastructure challenges and why faith remains the most powerful force in cricket.excerpts:You were a domestic giant and won the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. You ended your glittering career with J&K and have roots in the state as well. What was going through your mind while presenting the Paras Dogra trophy?Emotions were full. This is natural when you put in so much effort. The journey began in 2021, when a subcommittee was appointed in June. From there, the work began. We started from scratch and gradually built up.I am very thankful to Jay Shah for supporting us during these four years. He was then the secretary and the first person in 67 years of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association to visit the grounds in person. He saw the reality on the ground, met the players, coaches and staff. From there, things started to fall into place.Paras has been a seasoned fighter for over two decades. We brought him in because he understands similar conditions as he has played a lot of cricket in Himachal and in England as a professional. In the dressing room, he brings calm and inspires respect.
BCCI President Mithun Manhas (L), Secretary Devajit Saikia (R) hand over the Ranji Trophy title to J&K’s Paras Dogra. (PTI)
Cricket has a way of giving back. You were a stalwart of domestic cricket and probably born at the wrong time. Did it feel like redemption?Not really. That chapter is now in the background. It’s a new role and a new opportunity. I see it from a completely different perspective. When results come in and favor your team, you feel satisfied.We’ve faced criticism while making changes, and that’s bound to happen. Change is not easily accepted. But evolution is constant. We believed we were on the right track and luckily the results came.Where has Aquib Nabi been all these years?He has been a part of our lineup and a regular member of the team since we started in 2021. Not only him, but others too.Auqib has been phenomenal this year. He performed extremely well and even scored a hundred in the limited overs format. He is a complete player who has been through the grind of domestic cricket. Every youngster listening to me should play at least two or three seasons of first-class cricket. Go through the grind and you’ll become a better player.
Auqib Nabi (PTI Photo)
People say you brought a discincline to J&K cricket. Someone once told me that a couple of IPL players were late for practice and you dressed them up properly….The subcommittee was formed after careful consideration. Brigadier General Anil Gupta has 35 years of administrative experience. My roots are in J&K. It was a powerful combination.When a few players were late, I took them to task. It’s not about me. If you are late, you are disrespecting teammates who are on time. Mutual respect is essential for growth.Before, faith was absent. There was too much repacking and chopping. Around 25 to 35 players would appear in one Ranji season. You cannot expect results with constant changes. That had to stop. Players, support staff, selectors and CAC were given continuity. Stability brings results.Most of the boys in J&K played cricket growing up on grass wickets. After October and November it is difficult to play cricket in most of J&K. Any infrastructure upgrades coming up?We have spoken to BCCI and they have supported us. However, the construction of the stadium is the prerogative of the union. Elections have just taken place and a full-fledged association will soon be established.In 67 years of membership, we own no property. In Jammu, practice takes place on university grounds. In Srinagar we are using Sher-e-Kashmir land which is not ours. We need infrastructure not only in Jammu and Srinagar but also in Rajouri, Poonchi and Chenab Valley. Players come from different regions and must have the appropriate background.You were one of the best when it comes to playing spins. Do young people come to you for tips?Maybe they are a little hesitant to reach out to me (smiles). But whenever I see a video of a youngster, whether from the senior or junior team, I talk to him and share my experience. I offer pointers that suit their game.Finally, on the Indian team, do you think Suryakumar Yadav-led India will win the T20 World Cup?Everyone knows our team is strong. We had one day off against South Africa and people started to panic. That is not needed. It’s the World Cup and the pressure is natural. Support the boys instead of criticizing them. I am sure they will bring home the trophy.
