Dubai`s glittering stadium was abuzz. The air thrummed with the palpable tension of an India vs. Pakistan cricket final at the Asia Cup 2025 – a fixture that, for many, transcends mere sport. Tickets were, predictably, a scarce commodity, snapped up by fans eager to witness a clash that consistently delivers drama, passion, and, occasionally, heart-stopping moments. Yet, amidst the roaring crowds and the high stakes on the field, a subtle, yet significant, void was observed in the VIP boxes: a conspicuous absence of top officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This wasn`t an oversight, nor a scheduling conflict. It was, rather, a carefully orchestrated diplomatic statement. Sources close to the situation revealed a clear directive: no BCCI official, including the newly appointed President Mithun Manhas, would be engaging with Mohsin Naqvi, the chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and, incidentally, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This decision extended beyond the final, marking a consistent policy throughout the tournament`s earlier India-Pakistan encounters. In the often-intricate world of South Asian cricket, sometimes the loudest message is delivered not with words, but with an empty seat.
A New Captain at the Helm, Steering from Afar
The BCCI`s decision to maintain a frosty distance from its Pakistani counterparts played out against a backdrop of significant internal administrative shifts. On the very Sunday the Asia Cup final captivated millions, the BCCI was conducting its Annual General Meeting (AGM), ushering in a new era of leadership.
At the helm now stands Mithun Manhas, a name familiar to followers of Indian domestic cricket, but perhaps less so on the international administrative stage. Manhas, a former first-class cricketer renowned for his tenacity, steps into the prestigious role as the third former player to hold the BCCI presidency, following the footsteps of cricketing legends Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny. At 45, he brings a player`s perspective to the board, a factor many hope will inject fresh energy and a deeper understanding of the game`s evolving demands. His ascent, replacing the interim president Rajeev Shukla (who himself was filling in after Roger Binny stepped down in August 2025), signifies a renewed emphasis on cricketing acumen within the board`s highest echelons.
Manhas, having cut his teeth playing for Delhi before transitioning to coaching roles in Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his sentiments with characteristic humility and a touch of gravitas. “It`s an absolute honour to be the president of the world`s finest cricket board and at the same time it`s a huge responsibility as well. I give my assurance that I`ll be committed to doing it to the best of my abilities with dedication and passion,” he stated upon his election.
The Reshuffle: Strengthening the Administrative Lineup
The AGM wasn`t just about the top job. It was a comprehensive administrative reshuffle, reinforcing the board`s formidable structure. Rajeev Shukla, who briefly held the interim presidential reins, was re-elected as vice-president, providing continuity and experience. Devajit Saikia also retained his position as secretary, ensuring stability in key administrative functions.
Further strengthening the board`s diverse leadership, Saurashtra Cricket Association president Jaydev Shah was elected as an Apex Council member, while Arun Dhumal retained his influential post as IPL Governing Council chairman – a role critical to the financial powerhouse that is the Indian Premier League. On the cricketing front, the men`s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, saw the inclusion of former India internationals R.P. Singh and Pragyan Ojha, adding valuable playing experience to the selection process.
The Unspoken Language of Cricket Diplomacy
The dual narrative of a high-octane final juxtaposed with the calculated administrative absence offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of cricket diplomacy. While the fans celebrated or commiserated with their teams on the field, the decision-makers were engaged in a different kind of game – one played out in the quiet corridors of power, far from the roar of the crowd.
Mithun Manhas and his newly constituted team face the formidable challenge of steering Indian cricket through its myriad domestic and international commitments. Their initial move, a clear signal of diplomatic stance, indicates that while the game itself is paramount, the larger geopolitical context often dictates the terms of engagement. As India`s cricketing giant moves forward with its fresh leadership, the world watches not just the boundaries scored, but also the invisible lines drawn between nations, played out, ironically, on the global stage of cricket.
