Shamik Chakrabarty, Mumbai
The BCCI’s Annual General Meeting here in Mumbai on Sunday will have a touch of history. For the first time, an official from Jammu and Kashmir is going to helm Indian cricket. Mithun Manhas played for Delhi, turning up in 157 first-class matches and 130 List A games. But the 45-year-old, who was born in Jammu, will represent the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) at the AGM.
Farooq Abdullah, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, used to be an important player in the BCCI politics during his heydays. But Manhas becoming the cricket board president is the JKCA’s crowning glory, off the field. It is learnt that his name was proposed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia in a high-profile meeting that finalised the list of candidates.
Meanwhile, the man who made history on the field, is eagerly waiting for Manhas to take charge. Parvez Rasool was the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play for India, and he spoke for the entire region when he hailed Manhas’ accession.
“It’s a proud moment for all of us that Jammu and Kashmir’s representation is going to the BCCI as its president, and that’s a big achievement for us,” Rasool said, speaking to RevSportz. The wish list followed.
“We hope that in the future, the cricket infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir will be good,” the 36-year-old all-rounder, who has completed his Level 2 coaching course, said. “Right now, we are completely behind the other states. Talent-wise, we are good. But talent needs facilities. So, I hope that in the future, things will get better for us.”
Jammu and Kashmir reached the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals last term, beating Mumbai in their lair, on their way to the knockouts. The region oozes cricketing talent, waiting to be nurtured properly.
“Right now, we have only one ground, and without stands, there’s no place for the spectators,” Rasool lamented. “There’s no good washroom. There’s no academy, and there’s barely any facility. The infrastructure should be built. There should be an academy system — academies in districts. Grounds should be good and coaches should be appointed. This is our request, not just mine, but of the whole of J&K. Infrastructure makes a player.”
Manhas of late has been working for JKCA, making the right impression. “Yes, he is going to be the BCCI president, he has got a good post at the BCCI, and he has done a good job,” said Rasool. “But there’s a great need to do more. I hope things will get better in the coming times.”
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