Indian cricket legends Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, who collaborated closely with him during their prior terms in the KSCA administration from 2010 to 2013, have strongly endorsed his ambition. Venkatesh Prasad, the former fast bowler for India, has formally declared his intention to run for president in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections on November 30.
Following Karnataka cricket’s troubles—including the horrific stampede that killed 11 people at Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL triumph parade on June 4 and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium losing its luster due to administrative errors—Prasiad has made the decision to run. Due to safety and compliance concerns, the KSCA and the state government became estranged after the incident, which resulted in the stadium being prohibited from holding international matches.
Prasad has assembled a group called the “Team Game Chargers” to help Karnataka cricket get back on track. The group consists of Vice President Sujith Somasundar, Secretary Vinay Mruthyunjaya, Joint Secretary A.V. Shashidhar, and Treasurer B.N. Madhukar. The squad aims to rebuild the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s legacy and trace back the state’s cricketing system.
“Cricket must return to Chinnaswamy Stadium.” At the press conference, Prasad declared, “An administration free of backseat driving.”
Prasad also pointed out that Karnataka was not represented in India’s recent Women’s World Cup-winning team, highlighting the necessity for a women’s cricket academy and improved development plans for new players.
Attending the ceremony, Anil Kumble commended Prasad’s leadership.
Venky is coming to help Karnataka cricket, which has been languishing. Over the previous few years, everything of the progress we completed during our three-year tenure [2010–2013] has been undone. ‘When are you returning?’ is the most frequent question we receive. Fans and cricket players are two important stakeholders who have been overlooked. It was a historic moment when we won the Women’s World Cup last week. However, there was not a single representation for us [Karnataka]. That must be altered,” Anil Kumble said.
In addition, he spoke out against the stampede episode, which tarnished Karnataka cricket, and urged a fresh attempt to repair Chinnaswamy’s standing as a cricket temple. Anil Kumble and Srinath both think Prasad is the best person for the job because of his focus on cricket.
K.N. Shanth Kumar, who has the support of previous KSCA administrator Brijesh Patel, will be Prasad’s primary opponent for the top position. Nominations are accepted until November 16 and the elections are anticipated to be fiercely contested.
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