EXCLUSIVE | ‘Redemption? No. It was a responsibility’: BCCI president Mithun Manhas opens up on J&K’s rise

For Mithun Manhas, the sight of Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra lifting the Ranji Trophy was more than just a ceremonial moment.

Manhas’ roots lie in the state. He was born there, grew up there, studied there and ended his first-class career in Jammu and Kashmir. Later, he became a member of the BCCI-appointed sub-committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). Manhas was a giant of Indian domestic cricket, playing 157 first-class matches and scoring 9,714 runs from 1997-98 to 2016-17, and played a key role in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy win in 2007-08, scoring 921 runs that season.

Today, Manhas is in charge of the Board of Control for Cricket in India as BCCI president. But his emotional investment in J&K cricket goes deeper than the name. In a candid conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Manhas talks about redemption, reform, the rise of Oqib Nabi, infrastructural challenges and why faith remains the most powerful force in cricket.

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You were a giant in the country and won the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. You ended a stellar career at Johnson & Johnson and established roots in the state. What was going through your mind when you handed over the trophy to Paras Dogra?

Emotions are running high. It’s natural when you put in so much effort. This journey began in 2021 when the subcommittee was appointed in June. From that point on, the work began. We started from scratch and built up gradually.

I am very grateful to Jay Shah for supporting us during these four years. He was the then secretary and the first person in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association’s 67 years to visit the ground in person. He saw reality and met with players, coaches and staff. From that point on, things started to fall into place.

Paras has been a seasoned activist for more than two decades. We brought him in because he understands similar situations, having played a lot of cricket as a professional in Himachal Pradesh and England. He brings calmness and earns respect in the locker room.

Cricket has a way of giving it back. You are a staunch supporter of domestic cricket and were probably born in the wrong era. Is there a sense of redemption?

Not really. The chapter is now in the background. This is a new role and a new opportunity. I see it from a completely different perspective. You’ll feel satisfied when the results are good for your team.

We get criticized when we make changes, that’s bound to happen. Change is not easily accepted. But evolution is constant. We believed we were on the right path and luckily, results followed.

Where has Aqib Nabi been all these years?

He has been part of our team since our inception in 2021 and is a full member of the team. Not just him, but others.

Auqib has been outstanding this year. He performed brilliantly and even scored a hundred in the limited overs. He is a well-rounded player who has been through the grind of domestic cricket. Any youngster who listens to me should have played at least two to three seasons of first-class cricket. You become a better player by going through hardships.

People say you brought discipline to J&K cricket. Someone once told me that a few IPL players were late for training and you gave them a proper reprimand…

After much deliberation a sub-committee was formed. Brigadier General Anil Gupta has 35 years of administrative experience. My roots are in Johnson & Johnson. This is a powerful combination.

When a few players were late, I scolded them. This has nothing to do with me. If you are late, you are disrespecting your teammates who arrived on time. Mutual respect is essential for growth.

Earlier, faith was missing. There are so many changes and cuts. Ranji has about 25 to 35 players appear in a season. You can’t count on constantly changing results. That has to stop. Players, support staff, selectors and the CAC are all given continuity. Stability brings results.

Most boys in J&K grow up playing cricket on turf wickets. After October and November, it becomes difficult to play cricket in most parts of J&K. Are there any infrastructure upgrades underway?

We have spoken to BCCI and they have been supportive. However, building the stadium is the prerogative of the association. Elections have just been held and a formal association will be formed soon.

We do not own the assets during our 67-year affiliation. In Jammu, the training was conducted at the college grounds. In Srinagar we used Sher Kashmir ground but that was not ours. We need infrastructure not just in Jammu and Srinagar but also in Rajouri, Poonch and Chenab Valley. Players come from different areas and must be provided with appropriate facilities.