Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad Becomes KSCA President in Latest Election

Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has been elected as the new President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) following a historic election held on December 7, 2025. Prasad led the 'Team Game Changers' panel and secured a decisive victory against K.N. Shanth Kumar, winning 749 votes to Shanth Kumar’s 558.

Alongside him, former India cricketer Sujith Somasundar was elected Vice-President, and Santosh Menon reclaimed the Secretary post after previously serving from 2019 to 2022. BN Madhukar was elected Treasurer, and BK Ravi won the Joint Secretary position. The election marked a near sweep for the Prasad-led panel, emphasizing a strong mandate for change in Karnataka cricket administration.

Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has had a long and distinguished career, playing 33 Tests and 161 One-Day Internationals for India. Before this presidential role, he also served as KSCA vice president from 2010 to 2013. His election is seen as a significant shift, with the focus on restoring international cricket and IPL matches to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has not hosted major games since a tragic stampede earlier this year.

The KSCA elections were originally scheduled for November 30 but were postponed, causing disappointment among candidates and cricket fans. Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad expressed his concerns at the time, stressing that the elections should prioritize cricket over politics. He told the media, “Our sole objective is to revive top-level cricket at Chinnaswamy Stadium and bring back international matches and IPL fixtures. That is our mission.”

In addition to Prasad’s presidential victory, his team performed strongly across key positions. Sujith Somasundar won the Vice-President post with 719 votes to 588, while Santosh Menon secured the Secretary post with 675 votes over 632. BN Madhukar defeated MS Vinay to become Treasurer, and BK Ravi, the only winner from the rival Brijesh Patel camp, took the Joint Secretary role with 669 votes.

Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad and his team celebrated their success after a closely contested election. The total voter turnout was 1,307, including prominent figures such as former India captains Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid, along with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The strong voter support reflects confidence in Prasad’s vision for improving cricket infrastructure and reviving high-level matches in Bengaluru.

The new KSCA President, Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, emphasized his focus on restoring the reputation and functionality of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He noted that this election was a victory not just for the committee but for cricket fans across Karnataka. “This is a victory for all the members who wanted a change and for cricket fans who want to see international cricket and IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium once again,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar endorsed Prasad’s vision and assured that IPL matches would remain in Bengaluru. He highlighted the importance of the stadium to Karnataka’s pride and promised measures to prevent future incidents, emphasizing, “We will ensure IPL matches are held here and work to prevent future incidents at the stadium.”

Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad’s panel, Team Game Changers, has outlined proactive plans to enhance cricket facilities across Karnataka. Their focus includes stadium safety, improving training facilities, and promoting grassroots-level cricket.

The panel also aims to develop infrastructure beyond Bengaluru, with zone representatives for Mysore, Shivamogga, Tumkur, Dharwad, Raichur, and Mangalore. This decentralized approach ensures broader participation and development of cricket at all levels in Karnataka.

Prasad’s leadership marks a new chapter for KSCA, signaling a strong commitment to restoring the glory of Karnataka cricket. Fans and stakeholders are optimistic that under Former Indian Cricketer Venkatesh Prasad’s presidency, Bengaluru will once again host international matches and witness a revival of its cricketing culture.ts-level development and broader participation in Karnataka cricket.