The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) proudly celebrates the historic appointment of Mr. Mithun Manhas, a distinguished member of JKCA, as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), effective September 28, 2025. This monumental achievement has filled the people of Jammu & Kashmir with immense pride, marking a significant moment for the region’s sporting legacy.
Mr. Manhas, a young and dynamic sports personality has an illustrious career adorned with numerous records and firsts. Under his visionary leadership, JKCA has scaled new heights, elevating the standard of cricket in the region. His efforts have not only enhanced J&K’s reputation in the cricketing world but also provided a platform for aspiring cricketers from the region to shine on national and international stages.
However, this joyous occasion was briefly overshadowed by a frivolous writ petition filed in the Jammu Wing of J&K & Ladakh High Court by Sudershan Mehta and a few disgruntled individuals seeking to stay Mr. Manhas’ election on baseless and presumptuous grounds. The Court, in its wisdom, dismissed the petition today, questioning Mr. Mehta’s locus standi as well as the territorial jurisdiction of the Court to entertain the writ.
Mr. Mehta, a retired junior police officer and self-proclaimed ex-cricketer, claims to be the President of a Jammu-based cricket club. However, JKCA records reveal an ongoing intra-club dispute regarding the legitimacy of his position. Furthermore, the club he represents has not organized or participated in any cricketing activities for nearly a decade, rendering it a mere namesake entity. Mr. Mehta’s past is marred by allegations of morally corrupt practices during his tenure as an office bearer of JKCA, including drawing allowances while receiving a regular salary as a policeman without approval from his parent department. He is also currently facing a defamation case in a Kashmir court. It's obvious that the instant petition was filed with malafide intent.
Through his actions, Mr. Mehta has demonstrated an inability to accept the remarkable progress made by JKCA under its current leadership. His repeated attempts to impede the association’s functioning with fabricated allegations reflect a mindset driven by envy and obstructionism.
The dismissal of this baseless petition reaffirms the unwavering support for Mr. Manhas and his transformative contributions to cricket in J&K and beyond. The people of Jammu & Kashmir stand united in celebrating this proud moment, undeterred by the actions of a few pessimists.
JKCA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Mithun Manhas on his well-deserved appointment as BCCI President and wishes him success in leading Indian cricket to greater heights.
Senior Advocates Rahul Pant and Sunil Sethi assisted by Advocate Rajat Gupta argued the case on behalf of BCCI and JKCA before the Court of honourable Justice Sanjay Dhar. Advocate Arif Sikander represented Mr Mithun Manhas. JKCA has also thanked the learned advocates for placing facts before the Court because of which Sudershan Mehta failed in his nefarious design.
