New Delhi: Newly elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president and former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad has vowed to bring IPL matches and international cricket back to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while also prioritising the overall development of Karnataka cricket. His election is being seen as the beginning of a new chapter for the association.
The KSCA had come under scrutiny after the June 4 stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory parade near the stadium, an incident that claimed 11 lives. Prasad now takes charge at a time when restoring credibility and safety standards remains a key challenge.
A Clean Sweep for “Team Game Changers”
Prasad, who earlier served as KSCA vice-president from 2010 to 2013 and represented India in 33 Tests and 161 ODIs, said his panel aimed to bring the association’s focus back to cricket and reinstate Chinnaswamy Stadium’s reputation as a premier international venue.
Writing on X, he said:
“I feel honoured to take charge as KSCA president. I am committed to bringing back IPL and international cricket to Chinnaswamy and strengthening cricket across Karnataka. With teamwork, transparency and dedication, we will achieve our goals. My heartfelt thanks to every member for their trust.”
New Office-Bearers Announced
Sunday’s polls also saw several familiar faces return to the association’s leadership:
- Sujith Somsundar – Vice President
- Santosh Menon – Secretary (previously served from 2019 to 2022)
- B.N. Madhukar – Treasurer
- B.K. Ravi – Joint Secretary
Intense Contest, Strong Voter Turnout
The elections witnessed tight competition, rejected nominations and even a High Court case adding heat to the campaign. A total of 1,307 votes were polled—slightly below the 2013 record of 1,351.
Final tally:
- Venkatesh Prasad – 749 votes
- K.N. Shanth Kumar – 588 votes
Prasad’s panel had the backing of former India greats Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, who served as KSCA president and secretary respectively between 2010 and 2013.
Other results:
- Vice President: Somsundar – 719, D. Vinod Shivappa – 588
- Secretary: Santosh Menon – 672, E.S. Jayaram – 632
- Treasurer: Madhukar – 736, M.S. Vinay – 571
- Joint Secretary: B.K. Ravi – 669, A.V. Shashidhar – 638
Executive Committee Lifetime Members:
- V.M. Manjunath – 690
- Sailesh N. Pol – 618
From the Bengaluru Zone, the three seats went to:
- Kalpana Venkatachar – 764
- Avinash Vaidya – 691
- Ashish Amaralal – 703
