In a significant development for cricket administration in Karnataka, former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad has been elected as the new president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The elections were conducted during the association's Annual General Meeting, held at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
New Leadership Team Takes Charge
The election results ushered in a complete new slate of office-bearers. Former India cricketer Sujith Somasunder was elected as the vice president. Santosh Menon, who previously held the secretary's post from 2019 to 2022, was chosen once again for the same role. BN Madhukar secured the treasurer's position, while BK Ravi from the KN Shanth Kumar panel won the joint secretary's post.
The voting numbers revealed a clear mandate. Venkatesh Prasad received 749 votes, defeating his opponent KN Shanth Kumar, who garnered 588 votes. For the vice president's role, Sujith Somasunder's 719 votes outpaced D Vinod Sivappa's 588. The secretary's race saw Santosh Menon win with 672 votes against ES Jairam's 632. BN Madhukar's victory for treasurer was decisive with 736 votes, well ahead of MS Vinay's 571.
A Daunting Challenge Ahead: Restoring Cricket and Trust
Prasad, a veteran of 33 Tests and 161 ODIs for India, is not new to KSCA administration, having served as its vice president from 2010 to 2013. However, his new role comes with an immense and immediate challenge. The primary task for the newly elected body is to bring top-flight cricket back to the state of Karnataka.
This mission gains critical importance in the wake of the tragic stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4. The incident occurred during a victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru following their IPL 2025 win and resulted in the deaths of 11 fans. The aftermath sidelined major cricket activities in the state, putting the focus squarely on safety and event management protocols.
Backing from Cricket Legends and the Road Forward
The panel led by Venkatesh Prasad enjoyed strong backing from cricketing stalwarts. It was supported by former Indian captain Anil Kumble and fast bowling great Javagal Srinath. Notably, both Kumble and Srinath had previously held the posts of KSCA president and secretary respectively from 2010 to 2013, lending significant credibility to the new team.
Sujith Somasunder, the new vice president, brings relevant experience from his recent role as the head of education at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The collective experience of the new office-bearers will be tested as they navigate the dual objectives of reviving high-profile cricket matches and implementing foolproof safety measures to prevent any future tragedies.
The election marks a pivotal moment for the KSCA. The association has been under intense scrutiny since the June stampede. The new leadership's success will be measured not just by the return of international and premier domestic cricket to Bengaluru's grounds, but also by their ability to restore public confidence and ensure that the passion for the sport is matched by an unwavering commitment to fan safety and welfare.
