Karnataka Cricket Body Elections Face Month-Long Delay
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has officially postponed its much-anticipated elections, shifting the date from November 30 to December 30, 2025. This decision comes amid growing legal complications surrounding the association's governance rules.
Legal Tussle Triggers Election Postponement
At the heart of the delay lies a contentious legal battle between A V Shashidara, a KSCA member and contestant for the joint secretary position from the Venkatesh Prasad-led group, and the state cricket body. The dispute specifically concerns the interpretation and application of the nine-year term rule for office bearers.
The electoral officer for KSCA issued a formal notice explaining the rationale behind the postponement. "Elections cannot be conducted at this stage without removing the doubts among members and resolving the issues in question," the notice stated. "Hence, I'm constrained to defer the election process until December 30, 2025."
Cricket Veterans Express Disappointment
The sudden postponement has drawn strong reactions from prominent cricket figures associated with the association. Former India medium-pacer Venkatesh Prasad, who leads one of the competing groups, expressed his shock at the development.
"We are shocked to hear that the elections have been deferred," Prasad stated. "The priority must be cricket and not politics." His comments highlight the growing concern that administrative issues are overshadowing the primary purpose of the cricket body.
The rival faction, Team Brijesh led by presidential candidate KN Shanth Kumar, also weighed in on the controversy through an official press release. "We are very keen to have the elections conducted in accordance with the directions of the division bench of the high court, and according to the schedule already announced," the statement read.
Accountability Questions Arise
Vinay Mruthyunjaya, former KSCA treasurer who has filed his nomination for the secretary post, placed responsibility for the delay squarely on the managing committee. "The responsibility to conduct elections rests with the managing committee," he asserted. "It is directly accountable for this delay."
Meanwhile, the KSCA administration, through a statement issued by its CEO, indicated efforts to resolve the impasse. "We have written to the electoral officer to recall his letter and are hopeful election will be conducted according to calendar already announced," the association stated.
The one-month delay adds another chapter to the ongoing governance challenges facing one of India's most prominent state cricket associations, leaving members and cricket enthusiasts awaiting a resolution that prioritizes the sport's development in Karnataka.
