How is KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad Planning to Bring IPL and International Cricket Back to Chinnaswamy?
Synopsis
Venkatesh Prasad, the newly elected KSCA president, is committed to reviving IPL and international cricket at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With a focus on Karnataka cricket's growth and a dedicated team, he aims to restore the stadium's prestigious reputation after recent tragedies. Discover his vision and the new leadership team in this insightful piece.
Key Takeaways
Venkatesh Prasad is the new KSCA president.
He aims to restore IPL and international cricket to Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The focus will be on the growth of Karnataka cricket .
Strong support from cricket legends has been noted.
The elections saw significant competition and challenges.
New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) The recently elected president of KSCA, Venkatesh Prasad, a former pace bowler for India, has pledged to restore IPL and international cricket to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, emphasizing the holistic development of cricket in Karnataka.
This election signifies a new era for the KSCA, which has faced intense scrutiny following the tragic stampede on June 4 during the victory parade of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, leading to the loss of 11 lives.
Prasad, who was the vice-president of KSCA from 2010 to 2013 and has played 33 Tests and 161 ODIs for India, expressed that his victorious panel, dubbed Team Game Changers, is dedicated to refocusing on cricket and repairing the stadium's standing as a leading venue for international matches.
“I am honored to assume the role of KSCA President. I am dedicated to reviving IPL and international cricket at Chinnaswamy and fostering the growth of Karnataka cricket across all levels. Together, through teamwork, transparency, and commitment, we will achieve our goals. I am grateful to all members who have placed their trust in me,” Prasad remarked on X.
In addition to Prasad, former cricketer Sujith Somasunder has been elected as vice-president, while Santosh Menon returns as secretary, a position he held from 2019 to 2022. B.N. Madhukar has been elected as treasurer, and BK Ravi from the opposing KN Shanth Kumar panel will serve as joint secretary.
The elections were highly competitive, with numerous nomination papers rejected and a High Court case adding to the tension. On Sunday, 1,307 votes were cast, slightly below the record of 1,351 in 2013.
Prasad won with 749 votes against KN Shanth Kumar, who garnered 588 votes. The Prasad-led panel received support from former Indian cricket stars Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, who held the positions of KSCA president and secretary respectively from 2010 to 2013.
Somasunder secured the vice-president position with 719 votes, defeating D. Vinod Sivappa who received 588 votes. Menon won the secretary role with 672 votes, narrowly beating E.S. Jairam (632 votes). Madhukar earned the treasurer position with 736 votes against M.S. Vinay (571 votes). The Shanth Kumar panel achieved a consolation victory with Ravi taking the joint secretary position with 669 votes against A.V. Shashidhara's 638.
V.M. Manjunath (690 votes) and Sailesh N. Poll (618 votes) were elected to the two life member positions on the managing committee. From the Bengaluru zone, former cricketers Kalpana Venkatachar (764 votes), Avinash Vaidya (691 votes), and Aashish Amarlall (703 votes) secured the three available positions.
Point of View
The election of Venkatesh Prasad as KSCA president is a significant step toward revitalizing Karnataka cricket. His commitment to inclusivity and transparency promises not only to restore the reputation of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium but also to foster grassroots development. As a former player, Prasad brings authentic experience to the leadership role, and his proactive approach could serve as a model for cricket associations across the country.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new KSCA president?
Venkatesh Prasad, a former Indian cricketer, has been elected as the new president of KSCA.
What are Venkatesh Prasad's plans for KSCA?
Prasad aims to bring back IPL and international cricket to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and focus on the overall development of Karnataka cricket.
Who are the other members of the new KSCA leadership?
Sujith Somasunder is the new vice-president, Santosh Menon returns as secretary, and B.N. Madhukar has been elected treasurer.
What challenges did the KSCA elections face?
The elections encountered intense competition, with several nomination papers rejected and a High Court case adding to the tension.
What support did Prasad receive during the elections?
Prasad's panel received backing from former cricket legends Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath.
