Venkatesh Prasad, a former India fast bowler, has officially confirmed his candidature for president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections on 30 November. His campaign has gotten great support from Indian cricket legends Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, both of whom worked closely with him during their prior tenures as KSCA administrators from 2010 to 2013.
Prasad has decided to contest because Karnataka cricket is in trouble, with the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium losing its lustre due to administrative lapses and the tragic June 4 stampede that claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade. The event resulted in the stadium being prohibited from holding international matches, causing a schism between the KSCA and the state government over safety and compliance concerns.
To get Karnataka cricket back on track, Prasad has organised a “Team Game Chargers” panel that includes Sujith Somasundar (Vice President), Vinay Mruthyunjaya (Secretary), A.V. Shashidhar (Joint Secretary), and B.N. Madhukar (Treasurer). The team aims to revive the state’s cricketing system and the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s legacy.
“We need to get cricket back to Chinnaswamy Stadium. An administration free of back-seat driving.” Prasad said at the press conference.
Prasad also mentioned the need for a women’s cricket academy and enhanced roadmaps for young cricketers, noting the absence of Karnataka representation in India’s recent Women’s World Cup-winning squad.
Anil Kumble, who was present at the event, praised Venkatesh Prasad’s leadership.
“Karnataka cricket has been suffering and Venky is here to make a difference. All the work we had put in during our three-year tenure [2010-2013] has been undone over the past many years. The most common question we get asked is ‘when are you returning?’ Two key stakeholders have been neglected: cricketers and fans. Last week we won the Women’s World Cup, and it was a landmark occasion. But we [Karnataka] didn’t have a single representation. That needs to change,” Kumble told.
He also opened up at the stampede incident, a black mark on Karnataka cricket, and called for a renewed effort to restore Chinnaswamy’s reputation as a temple of cricket. Both Anil Kumble and Srinath believe that Prasad’s cricket-first approach makes him the ideal candidate for the role.
Prasad’s main rival for the top post will be K.N. Shanth Kumar, who enjoys the backing of former KSCA administrator Brijesh Patel. The elections are expected to be closely contested, with nominations open until November 16.
India
