The Mithun Manhas Birth Date Controversy has put the newly appointed BCCI president under scrutiny after a Jammu court directed the police to investigate allegations of discrepancies in his date-of-birth records. The Special Railway Magistrate Court in Jammu has asked the Nowabad Police to look into the complaint and submit its report on or before September 3, 2026.
The court’s direction follows a complaint alleging that different dates of birth were recorded for Mithun Manhas in separate documents. However, it is important to note that the court has not ordered the registration of an FIR at this stage. The police have first been asked to conduct an inquiry and submit their findings.
Mithun Manhas became the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to take charge as BCCI president. He was selected for the top position in September 2025. Before moving into cricket administration, Manhas enjoyed a long first-class career, representing both Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi.
Mithun Manhas Birth Date Controversy: What Is the Dispute?
The controversy emerged following a complaint filed by former Deputy Superintendent of Police and former joint honorary secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, Sudarshan Mehta.
According to the complaint, Manhas allegedly recorded different dates of birth in different places. Mehta has claimed that the alleged discrepancy may have helped Manhas remain eligible to participate in junior-level national cricket.
The complainant has sought action under provisions related to cheating, fraud and forgery. The complaint reportedly refers to Sections 415, 420 and 462 of the Indian Penal Code.
The court, however, has not yet concluded that any wrongdoing took place. Its latest direction is limited to asking the Nowabad Police to investigate the allegations and submit a report by September 3, 2026.
Two Records Reportedly Show Different Dates of Birth
At the centre of the dispute is the alleged difference between two records.
According to the complaint, the records of Maharaja Hari Singh Agricultural Collegiate School (MHAC), Nagbani, list Manhas’ date of birth as December 9, 1977.
The complaint further claims that the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) website has listed his date of birth as October 12, 1979.
If the two dates are accurate, they represent a difference of nearly two years. The complainant has cited this gap as the basis for raising questions about Manhas’ age records and his eligibility during his junior cricket career.
The police investigation is now expected to establish which records were officially submitted at different stages and whether there was any deliberate alteration or misuse of documents.
Mithun Manhas’ Cricket Journey
Long before becoming BCCI president, Mithun Manhas built a substantial reputation as a domestic cricketer.
1.Started With Jammu and Kashmir Junior Cricket
Manhas began his cricket journey with Jammu and Kashmir’s junior teams. He represented the state at the Under-15, Under-16 and Under-19 levels and spent three years with the J&K Under-19 side.
In 1995, he reportedly scored around 750 runs and finished among the country’s leading run-scorers in Under-19 cricket. His performances eventually earned him the captaincy of the Jammu and Kashmir junior side.
After completing his Class 12 examinations, Manhas moved to Delhi for a few months when he was around 17. He began playing in Delhi’s premier domestic competitions, where he came up against players such as Virender Sehwag and Ashish Nehra.
His performances in Delhi’s domestic circuit helped him earn recognition at the national junior level. He was selected for the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad in 1996 but did not get a match that season. A year later, in 1997, he finally made his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi.
2. Led Delhi to a Ranji Trophy Title
Manhas gradually established himself as a dependable middle-order batter for Delhi. During the 2001-02 season, he crossed the 1,000-run mark in the Ranji Trophy, placing himself among the leading performers in India’s premier domestic competition.
He later served as Delhi’s Ranji Trophy captain from 2006 to 2008. Under his leadership, Delhi won the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy, securing what was then the team’s 16th title.
His domestic career made him one of the prominent cricketers associated with Delhi cricket. Years later, he reached another major milestone when he became the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to be appointed BCCI president.
3. IPL Career Began With Delhi Daredevils
Manhas’ performances in domestic cricket also earned him an opportunity in the Indian Premier League.
He made his IPL debut in the inaugural 2008 season with the Delhi Daredevils. He later joined Pune Warriors India in 2011 before becoming part of the Chennai Super Kings setup in 2015.
Although his international playing career never reached the level of India’s national team, his extensive domestic experience and leadership background helped establish him as an important figure in Indian cricket.
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Age Controversies Are Not New in Indian Cricket
The Mithun Manhas Birth Date Controversy is not the first instance in which questions about age records have emerged in Indian cricket. Over the years, several players have faced allegations or disciplinary action related to discrepancies in age documents, particularly in junior cricket.
Manjot Kalra: The member of India’s 2018 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad faced allegations concerning his age. The DDCA subsequently suspended him from domestic cricket for one year in connection with the matter.
Nitish Rana: In 2015, the BCCI took action after discrepancies were reportedly found in age-related documents involving 22 Delhi players. Nitish Rana was among the names associated with the controversy.
Rasikh Salam: The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler also faced an age-related controversy during his career, following which the BCCI took disciplinary action.
Prince Ram Niwas Yadav: The Delhi cricketer was found guilty of providing an incorrect date of birth for an Under-19 tournament. The BCCI subsequently banned him for two domestic seasons, 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Amit Mishra: Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra has also spoken publicly about a difference between his official date of birth and his actual age. He said in a podcast that his coach had changed the age record early in his career to help him get an opportunity to play Under-19 cricket.
What Happens Next in the Mithun Manhas Case?
The immediate next step is the police inquiry ordered by the Jammu court. The Nowabad Police have been asked to examine the allegations surrounding Manhas’ date-of-birth records and submit their report by September 3, 2026.
The court’s direction does not, by itself, establish that the allegations against Manhas are true. The investigation will have to determine whether the differences between the records resulted from an administrative error, documentation issue or any deliberate attempt to alter his age.
For now, the controversy remains at the investigation stage. The police report could determine whether the matter moves further through the legal process or whether the allegations fail to establish grounds for criminal action.
The case has nevertheless attracted attention because of Manhas‘ current position as BCCI president and his long association with Indian domestic cricket. As the first BCCI president from Jammu and Kashmir, his rise to one of the most influential positions in Indian cricket has been significant. The latest court-directed inquiry now puts his historical records under fresh scrutiny.
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