Discipline and patience, not shortcuts, lead to success: Mithun Manhas

Srinagar, Aug 24: Q: Take us through your cricketing journey, how did it all begin?

I started playing cricket in Delhi at a very young age. Back then, cricket was my passion and slowly it turned into my profession. I was lucky to have the support of my family and coaches, and over time I got the opportunity to represent Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. Eventually, I played in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and Chennai Super Kings. Later, I also coached Punjab, RCB, and Gujarat Titans, and recently worked with Bangladesh U-19. It’s been a long, rewarding journey.

Q: How did you transition into administration and end up with JKCA?

I always felt that after finishing my playing and coaching career, I should give back to the game. When the BCCI’s new structure was introduced in J&K, they wanted professionals with cricketing and management experience. I came on board to help build systems and create a structure that could benefit young cricketers.

Q: What was the condition of JKCA when you took charge?

Honestly, it was difficult. There was no proper system in place—financial mismanagement, poor infrastructure, and lack of accountability. The Supreme Court’s intervention brought reforms, and slowly we have been putting processes in order. It is not perfect yet, but the direction is positive.

Q: Local players often complain that despite huge funds, facilities remain substandard. How do you respond?

See, the funds are being utilized but development takes time. Grounds, indoor facilities, coaching programmes, these are long-term projects. You can’t change everything overnight. Players sometimes only see the gaps, but don’t realize that the structure is being built from scratch.

Q: One major controversy has been the ban on private tournaments. Why stop them?

The idea was not to stop cricket but to regulate it. Many private tournaments were being used for illegal betting and manipulation. That damaged the image of J&K cricket. We want cricket to flourish, but under a proper, transparent system where performances are recorded and merit is rewarded.

Q: But local talent feels suffocated when they can’t play. Doesn’t that hurt grassroots cricket?

We are not against players getting match practice. But it has to be under a framework.

Q: There was also talk about JKCA launching its own J&K Premier League (JKPL). What’s the plan?

Yes, we have been working on the idea of a JKPL. The aim is to create a professional T20 platform within J&K, similar to other states, where local players can share the stage with professionals. But it has to be done properly, with proper franchises, anti-corruption measures, and BCCI’s nod. We don’t want it to be another unregulated event; it should be a prestigious, well-run league that genuinely benefits J&K cricket.

Q: Another concern is selection—accusations of favouritism, nepotism, and regionalism. How do you ensure fairness?

This is the biggest challenge. Everyone has their own perception. But we have created a transparent selection process with selectors from different zones, video footage of trials, and regular monitoring. Still, no system can satisfy 100% of people. We can only ensure that merit remains the top priority.

Q: How do you handle the criticism from players and officials who feel sidelined?

Criticism will always be there. People who were used to the old system naturally feel uncomfortable now. But if we stick to merit and transparency, eventually people will see the results.

Q: Some J&K players are now close to breaking into the Indian team setup. How do you view this progress?

It’s very encouraging. Players like Umran Malik have already shown that J&K talent can shine at the highest level. There are others—Abdul Samad, Vivrant Sharma, who are knocking on the doors of the Indian team through IPL and domestic performances. This is a huge motivation for youngsters. It proves that if you work hard and perform consistently, selectors will notice you regardless of where you come from. Our role at JKCA is to create the right environment so that more players can reach that level.

Q: Who do you see from J&K currently knocking on the doors of the Indian team?

Aqib Nabi has done really well recently. Personally, I wanted to see him get a chance on that England tour, but of course there were other players in contention. Yudhvir Singh is also a very fine prospect. And then, of course, Umran Malik has already played for India. That happened after this new system came in.

Q: You mentioned that you yourself are a product of clubs. What happened to the clubs in J&K cricket?

Yes, I am very much a product of club cricket. I played for GCC, and in the beginning, I was the 12th man for six matches straight. It was not easy to break into a club team, you had to prove yourself. Back then, making it to a club side was a matter of pride. Everyone respected that culture, and almost all of us came through that system because clubs were the backbone of J&K cricket.

But later, things changed. Earlier, there were only clubs, but then the idea of district associations came up. That was something new, and we had to interact with both clubs and districts. Unfortunately, disputes arose, two factions came into existence, which created confusion.

Q: What is the current status? Will there be any revival of clubs?

The matter is sub judice, currently with the Supreme Court. We have already submitted our recommendations to the BCCI. The constitution is being amended, and the verdict is expected soon. Personally, I strongly believe that clubs should be revived because they are the basic infrastructure of cricket. You cannot take away that fundamental system. Clubs are nurseries of talent, and their revival would restore the competitive and proud culture that once shaped generations of cricketers here.

Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for JKCA in the next five years?

My dream is to see world-class stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar, indoor academies in every district, proper school cricket, and a steady supply of players to the Ranji team and IPL. If we can create a professional culture, J&K can produce cricketers who play for India.

Q: Finally, what’s your message to young cricketers of J&K?

Be patient, stay disciplined, and focus on improving your game. Don’t get carried away by shortcuts or excuses. If you have talent and commitment, the system will recognise you.

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