Srinagar, Feb 22: The Electoral Officer (EO) for the BCCI by-elections 2025 has determined Mithun Manhas, the representative of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), as eligible for inclusion on the final electoral roll for the upcoming elections scheduled for March 1. This decision follows careful consideration of objections raised against Manhas' nomination and the detailed responses submitted by him and the JKCA.
Upon review, the EO dismissed the allegations, asserting Manhas’ position on the JKCA Sub-Committee—appointed by the BCCI—confers upon him eligibility equivalent to being an office bearer until such time as there is an elected body formed. The complaint was lodged earlier this month, questioning Manhas' status as the representative of the JKCA for the BCCI By-Elections 2025.
The objections specified several points of contention: first, it was argued by the complainants—presumably rival factions within the cricket community—that no court within India had appointed Manhas to any JKCA committee, emphasizing instead his appointment by the BCCI to the JKCA subcommittee back in June 2021.
Another significant claim made by the complainants was based on findings from the previous BCCI By-Elections, asserting the EO had previously indicated the necessity for representatives to be BCCI members to qualify for representation at General Body Meetings. Due to this, they argued, Manhas should be disqualified since he was not recognized as a rightful JKCA member.
Further complicity arose from allegations of improper conduct related to the JKCA's online presence, claiming the JKCA’s official website, as of February 17, 2025, did not display its members as mandated by BCCI Rule 3(b)(1)(ix).
Responding to these objections, the EO stated, "Considering the entire factual matrix appraised by the complainant as also Mr Mithun Manhas, Representative of JKCA, and the documents submitted... it is to be noted...that Manhas was appointed as the Sub-Committee Member of JKCA by BCCI...in adherence to the Order... by the Division Bench of the Hon’ble High Court." This quotation emphasizes the legal backing for Manhas' claim to eligibility and the recognition of the JKCA's operational authority by the BCCI.
The EO elaborated, noting, "From the above excerpt of the judgement of the Hon’ble High Court of J & K, it is abundantly clear... to supervise the affairs of JKCA till the elections are duly held and an elected body of JKCA is set up,” reinforcing the legitimacy of Manhas's position.
Addressing the complainant's queries about the delay of JKCA elections, which loom large over the governance of cricket within the region, the Electoral Officer stated, "It is not appropriate for the Electoral Officer to go... The Electoral Officer does not have the jurisdiction to examine or pass..." This declaration hints at the complex regulatory and bureaucratic challenges faced by cricket associations, highlighting an apparent rigid structure governing appointments and elections.
Concluding on the matter of Manhas’s representation and membership, the EO affirmed after accessing the JKCA's website, the details therein confirmed Manhas's name listed as "Member Cricket Operations and Development," thereby directly contradicting the objections posed against him. The EO firmly stated, "Therefore, the objection of the complainant was not acceptable," signaling the strength of Manhas's position as representative of JKCA.
This latest determination sets the stage for the upcoming BCCI by-elections and the electoral dynamics within the JKCA. Political stability within regional cricket associations can be particularly tenuous, and the decision is expected to influence both the elections and the functioning of the JKCA moving forward.