For Mithun Manhas, the sight of Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra lifting the Ranji Trophy was more than a ceremonial moment.Manhas has his roots in the state. He was born there, grew up there and studied there, and 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 from 1997-98 to 2016-17 in 157 first-class matches, scoring 9,714 runs, and was pivotal in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy win in 2007-08, amassing 921 runs that season.
Manhas today stands at the helm of Indian cricket administration as BCCI president. But his emotional investment in J&K cricket runs deeper than designation. In this candid conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Manhas speaks about redemption, reform, Auqib Nabi’s rise, infrastructure challenges, and why belief remains the most powerful force in cricket.Excerpts:You have been a domestic giant and won the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. You ended your glittering career with J&K and have your roots in the state as well. What was going through your mind while handing over the trophy to Paras Dogra?Emotions were running high. That is natural when you put in so much effort. The journey began in 2021 when the sub-committee was appointed in June. From there, the work started. We began from scratch and gradually built ourselves up.I am very thankful to Jay Shah for supporting us throughout these four years. He was the secretary then and the first person in 67 years of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association to personally visit the grounds. He saw the ground reality, met players, coaches and staff. From there, things began to fall into place.Paras has been a seasoned campaigner for over two decades. We brought him in because he understands similar conditions, having played a lot of cricket in Himachal and in England as a professional. He brings calmness and commands respect in the dressing room.
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 it back. You were a stalwart of domestic cricket and were probably born in the wrong era. Did it feel like a redemption?Not really. That chapter is in the background now. This is a new role and a new opportunity. I see it from a completely different perspective. When results come and favour your team, you feel satisfied.We faced criticism while making changes, and that is bound to happen. Change is not easily accepted. But evolution is constant. We believed we were on the right track, and fortunately, the results followed.Where was Aquib Nabi all these years?Since we began in 2021, he has been part of our set-up and a regular member of the team. Not just him, there are others as well.Auqib has been phenomenal this year. He has done exceedingly well and even scored a hundred in the limited-overs format. He is a complete player who has gone through the grind of domestic cricket. Any youngster listening to me should play at least two or three seasons of first-class cricket. Go through the grind and you will become a better player.
Auqib Nabi (PTI Photo)
People say you brought discipline to J&K cricket. Someone once told me that a couple of IPL players came late for training and you gave them a proper dressing down…The sub-committee was formed after careful thought. Brigadier Anil Gupta has 35 years of administrative experience. My roots are in J&K. It was a strong combination.When a couple of players came late, I took them to task. It is not about me. If you come late, you disrespect teammates who are on time. Mutual respect is essential for growth.Earlier, belief was missing. There was too much changing and chopping. Around 25 to 35 players would feature in a single Ranji season. You cannot expect results with constant changes. That had to stop. Players, support staff, selectors and the CAC were given continuity. Stability brings results.Most of the boys in J&K have played cricket growing up on turf wicket. After October and November, it is hard to play cricket in most of J&K. Is there any infrastructure upgrade in the pipeline?We have spoken to the BCCI and they have been supportive. However, building a stadium is the association’s prerogative. Elections have just been held and soon a full-fledged association will be in place.In 67 years of affiliation, we do not own assets. In Jammu, practice happens at a college ground. In Srinagar, we use the Sher-e-Kashmir ground, which is not ours. We need infrastructure not only in Jammu and Srinagar but also in Rajouri, Poonch and the Chenab Valley. Players come from diverse regions and must be given proper facilities.You were one of the finest when it comes to playing spin. Do youngsters come to you for tips?They may be a little hesitant to approach me (smiles). But whenever I see a youngster’s video, whether from the senior or junior team, I speak to them and share my experience. I offer pointers that suit their game.Lastly, 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 off day against South Africa and people began to panic. There is no need for that. It is a World Cup and pressure is natural. Back the boys instead of criticising them. I am confident they will bring the trophy home.
