Ex-India Pacer Prasad Enters KSCA Race, Gains Kumble and Srinath Support

Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad announced his candidacy for the president's post in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections on November 11, 2025, vowing to reclaim the glory of state cricket amid concerns over administrative lapses and declining infrastructure. Backed by cricket legends Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath—who joined him at a press conference to unveil the "Game Changers" panel—the 55-year-old Prasad aims to steer the association away from what he termed the "backseat driving syndrome" that has plagued recent tenures. The elections, set for November 30, follow the end of Raghuram Bhatt's term on September 30, with nominations open from November 13 to 16. Prasad's bid comes against incumbent-backed candidate K.N. Shanth Kumar, highlighting a contest for the soul of Karnataka cricket, a powerhouse that trails only Mumbai in Ranji Trophy titles but has struggled with representation and facilities in recent years.

Prasad's panel features a blend of ex-cricketers and administrators, including former India batter Sujith Somasundar as vice-president—who resigned from his role as BCCI Centre of Excellence education head to join—Vinay Mruthynjaya as secretary, AV Shashidhar as joint secretary, Madhukar as treasurer, and ex-Karnataka player Avinash Vaidya as institutional member from Bengaluru Zone. Somasundar emphasized a higher purpose, stating, "Our own cricket ecosystem back home was losing its direction... It's about restoring pride," reflecting a collective frustration with the current setup. The group draws inspiration from the 2010-2013 era under Kumble's presidency, when Prasad served as vice-president and Srinath as secretary, a period marked by infrastructure booms like the development of 13 new grounds and unhindered cricketing focus. Prasad lamented the deterioration at mofussil centers, asserting, "We need to get cricket back to Chinnaswamy Stadium," referencing the iconic venue's diminished role after a tragic June 4, 2025, stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory parade that claimed 11 lives and barred it from international matches.

Anil Kumble, India's highest Test wicket-taker and former national coach, voiced strong endorsement, noting the panel's formation stems from Karnataka cricket's "suffering" and the undoing of past gains. "We're here to make a difference... Karnataka is second to Mumbai in Ranji Trophies, but that glory has been lost," Kumble said, pointing to the absence of state players in India's triumphant 2025 ICC Women's 50-over World Cup squad—despite stand-in Shafali Verma's heroics—as a stark indicator of systemic failures. He hailed the June stampede as an indelible "black mark," urging restoration of Chinnaswamy's reputation as a "temple of cricket" through proactive governance. Javagal Srinath, echoing the sentiment, praised Prasad's anti-interference stance: "Backseat syndrome has to stop... We built 13 grounds in three years; now, add more infrastructure and opportunities for kids." The duo's presence underscores a generational handoff, positioning the panel as a bulwark against political influences in state cricket bodies.

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The KSCA, which oversees the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium—a venue synonymous with high-octane IPL action and international thrillers—has faced scrutiny over safety lapses post-stampede, including rifts with the state government on compliance. Karnataka's cricketing legacy, from legends like Gundappa Viswanath to modern stars like KL Rahul, risks fading without reforms, especially as youth pathways stagnate and women's programs lag. Prasad's vision prioritizes merit-based development, inclusivity, and transparency to nurture talent across zones, potentially bridging gaps in national representation.

As nominations unfold, the race could reshape southern India's cricketing administration, with Prasad's cricketer-led slate challenging entrenched interests. Victory would not only revive infrastructure but also signal a broader push for autonomy in state associations, free from external meddling—a theme resonant across Indian cricket's evolving governance landscape. With Kumble and Srinath's stature amplifying the call, stakeholders watch closely, hoping for a return to the uncompromised excellence that once defined Karnataka's dominance on the field.

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