JAMMU: When Mithun Manhas, now President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), took charge as an administrator of the crisis-hit Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) in 2021, the body was battling mismanagement and allegations of corruption.
On Wednesday, as Jammu and Kashmir created history by reaching their maiden Ranji Trophy final after defeating two-time champions Bengal, Manhas allowed himself a rare emotional moment.
“It wasn’t easy when I took over as administrator. The then BCCI secretary Jay Shah gave me a free hand and told me to do whatever was needed to put J&K cricket back on track,” Manhas said after the six-wicket win in Kalyani.
Watching the match on television, Manhas said beating a side like Bengal — featuring international names — was a massive achievement. “The cricketer in me is emotional. I ended my first-class career there and later worked with the state unit,” he said.
Building a system, not just a team
Manhas said talent was never the problem in Jammu & Kashmir; the need was for a structured and transparent setup.
He credited Brigadier Anil Gupta, his colleague in the BCCI-appointed sub-committee, for playing a key role. “We conducted talent hunts, and players like left-arm seamer Sunil Kumar came through that process,” he said.
Drawing from nearly two decades of first-class cricket with Delhi, Manhas emphasised honesty and transparency in selection and administration. “We had a Cricket Committee that did a fine job,” said Manhas, who amassed 9,714 runs in 157 first-class matches.
Despite limited infrastructure, the focus was on creating competitive playing conditions. “Both Harbux Stadium in Srinagar and the College Ground in Jammu have 10 centre strips each with red and black soil. We are the only north Indian state with both,” he noted.
Bringing in experience: Paras Dogra and Ajay Sharma
Manhas said one of his biggest contributions was convincing domestic stalwart Paras Dogra to play professionally for J&K at the age of 41. Dogra now captains the side.
“Paras is not just a terrific cricketer but a great professional. His experience in Himachal and club cricket in the UK brought discipline and stability to the middle order,” Manhas said.
The coaching setup was strengthened with former India player Ajay Sharma as head coach. “When I shared my vision with Paras and Ajay bhai, it wasn’t difficult to convince them,” he added.
Auqib Nabi on selectors’ radar
Manhas also praised Auqib Nabi, popularly known as the “Baramulla Express,” the first bowler from the state to claim 50 wickets in a season.
“Nabi has been a match-winner for the past two seasons. As BCCI president, I can’t comment on selection, but as a cricketer, I can say he is knocking on the doors of the national team,” Manhas concluded.
From administrative turmoil to a historic Ranji Trophy final, Jammu & Kashmir’s journey stands as a testament to structural reform, transparency, and belief in local talent.
