When Mithun Manhas took charge as one of the administrators of the crisis-hit Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association in 2021, the body was grappling with allegations of corruption and prolonged mismanagement.

On Wednesday, as Jammu and Kashmir stormed into their maiden Ranji Trophy final, the current Board of Control for Cricket in India president allowed himself a rare emotional moment.

“It wasn’t easy when I took over,” Manhas said after J&K’s six-wicket semifinal win over Bengal in Kalyani. “The then BCCI secretary Jay Shah gave me a free hand and told me to do whatever was necessary to get J&K cricket back on track.”

Watching his former state side defeat a strong Bengal unit featuring India pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep filled him with pride. “The cricketer in me is emotional,” said Manhas, who scored 9,714 runs in 157 first-class matches. “Beating a side like Bengal is a huge achievement.”

Manhas maintained that talent in Jammu and Kashmir was never the issue, structure and systems were. He credited Brigadier Anil Gupta for his administrative role during the transition phase.

One of their early initiatives was a statewide talent hunt, which unearthed left-arm seamer Sunil Kumar. “We focused on honesty, transparency and building a proper cricket committee,” Manhas said, drawing on his two decades of experience in Delhi cricket.

Infrastructure remains a challenge, but significant improvements were made. Both Harbux Stadium in Srinagar and the College Ground in Jammu now feature 10 centre strips each, with a mix of red and black soil pitches — a rare advantage in north India.

Preparation standards were also raised. Manhas recalled that before defeating Mumbai last season, the team travelled early to acclimatise and train properly.

The administrative overhaul had been ordered by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court following governance issues within the association.

Backing experience of Jammu and Kashmir: Paras Dogra and Ajay Sharma

Manhas described persuading veteran batter Paras Dogra to represent J&K at 41 as one of his most significant contributions. Dogra now leads the side, with former India player Ajay Sharma serving as head coach.

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“I’ve played a lot with and against Paras. He’s not just a terrific cricketer but a consummate professional,” Manhas said. Having built his career in Himachal Pradesh and spent years playing club cricket in the UK, Dogra brought discipline and composure to the middle order.

“We needed an experienced head who could guide the team in tense situations. Paras has been brilliant,” he added.

Convincing Dogra and Sharma to join the project, Manhas said, was not difficult once he outlined his long-term vision.

Auqib Nabi’s rise

Among the standout performers has been pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, nicknamed the “Baramulla Express”, who recently became the first bowler from the state to claim 50 Ranji wickets.

“Nabi has been terrific and a match-winner over the last two seasons,” Manhas said. While he refrained from commenting on selection matters in his official capacity, he admitted, “As a cricketer, I can say he is knocking on the doors of the national team. The rest is up to the selectors.”

For Manhas, J&K’s historic run to the final is validation of years of structural reform — proof that with transparency, planning and belief, the region’s cricketing potential can finally be realised.