Jammu, September 29, 2025 – It’s one of those days when the winter chill hasn’t quite set in yet, but the air in the city feels a little warmer, a little brighter. Picture this: families gathered around evening chai, kids kicking a worn-out cricket ball in the narrow lanes of Talab Tillo, and suddenly, the conversation turns to Mithun Manhas. Not just any name, mind you – our very own son of the soil, the man who turned heads not with fiery sixes on the international stage, but with gritty determination in the domestic circuit. Yesterday, on September 28, around 7 PM in the bustling heart of Mumbai’s cricket board offices, Manhas was unanimously elected as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). And just like that, Jammu exploded into a celebration that felt like Diwali come early.
For those of us who’ve followed his journey, this isn’t just a headline; it’s a story woven into the fabric of our lives here in the Dogra heartland. Manhas hails from Bhalessa in Doda district, a place where the mountains stand tall and unyielding, much like the man himself. Born in 1981, he grew up playing on dusty grounds where the ball often rolled into thorny bushes, dreaming big in a region that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. He represented Delhi in 157 first-class matches, amassing runs that spoke of patience and power – over 10,000 in first-class cricket alone, without ever donning the blue of India internationally. Uncapped, yes, but unbreakable. “Cricket taught me resilience,” Manhas once shared in a casual chat with local reporters back in 2019, during a visit to his alma mater in Jammu. “It’s not about the glamour; it’s about showing up every day, rain or shine.”
The election came as no surprise to those in the know, but the unanimous nod? That sealed it as a triumph for Jammu and Kashmir. The BCCI’s annual general meeting wrapped up with Manhas stepping into the role vacated by the outgoing president, and whispers from the corridors suggest his focus will be on grassroots development – something that hits home for us. Imagine better academies in places like Akhnoor or Kathua, where talented kids from modest families get a real shot without having to leave home for Delhi or Mumbai. Local coach Rajesh Sharma, who’s trained dozens of young hopefuls at the Jammu Cricket Association grounds, couldn’t hold back his excitement when we caught up with him this morning near the Tawi River bridge. “Mithun bhaiya knows our struggles,” Sharma said, wiping sweat from his brow after a training session. “He’ll push for more funding for rural leagues. Our boys in the villages – they’ll see a mirror in him, not some distant star.”
Local coach Rajesh Sharma, who’s trained dozens of young hopefuls at the Jammu Cricket Association grounds, couldn’t hold back his excitement when we caught up with him this morning near the Tawi River bridge. “Mithun bhaiya knows our struggles,” Sharma said, wiping sweat from his brow after a training session. “He’ll push for more funding for rural leagues.
Our boys in the villages – they’ll see a mirror in him, not some distant star.”
But let’s talk about what this means for everyday folks like you and me, the ones navigating potholed roads to work or haggling at Raghunath Bazaar. Pride swells in the chest, sure, but so does hope. Jammu has always punched above its weight in sports – think of the wrestlers from Reasi or the footballers from Samba – but national recognition? Rare as a cool breeze in June. Manhas’s win could open doors: sponsorships for local tournaments, scholarships for underprivileged players, even tying cricket to community drives like flood relief, which we all remember too well from last year’s Tawi overflow. The Jammu District Cricket Association is already buzzing; they’ve planned a felicitation event next week at the Bakshi Stadium, inviting school kids from across the division. “This is bigger than one man,” said association secretary Vikram Singh, speaking from his office overlooking the assembly complex. “It’s a signal to Delhi that Jammu’s got game-changers.”
As the sun dipped low over the Shivaliks yesterday evening, social media lit up with messages from Doda to Jammu city. Old teammates shared grainy photos from Ranji Trophy days, families in Bhalessa distributed sweets at the local gurdwara, and even the auto-rickshaw drivers near the high court were honking in rhythm, chanting “Manhas! Manhas!” It’s moments like these that remind us why we root for our own – not for the trophies, but for the way they lift the whole community. Manhas, ever the grounded one, released a statement late last night: “Grateful to Jammu and Kashmir for shaping me. My doors are open; let’s build cricket that unites us all.” Simple words, but they land like a well-timed cover drive.
Of course, challenges loom. The BCCI isn’t all glory; it’s politics, finances, and the endless push for infrastructure in a country where urban centers hog the limelight. But if anyone can navigate that, it’s Manhas – the guy who scored centuries on turning tracks and led Delhi to titles. Here in Jammu, as we gear up for the Basohli Utsav this weekend, blending culture with sport feels fitting. Maybe we’ll see pickleball courts next to cricket pitches, or women’s leagues inspired by his inclusive vision. For now, though, let’s savor this: a Dogra at the top, proving that from the quiet hills of Doda, dreams can echo across the nation.
This win isn’t just about cricket; it’s about us – the resilient residents of Jammu, holding our heads a little higher today. As the city settles into the night, with fireflies dancing over the Tawi, one can’t help but smile. Tomorrow’s another day, but for now, hail to the chief.