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Venkatesh Prasad To Contest Karnataka Cricket Elections Amid KSCA Turmoil

Akshita Patel

Venkatesh Prasad to enter into KSCA fight [Source: @iitbombay/X.com]Venkatesh Prasad to enter into KSCA fight [Source: @iitbombay/X.com]

Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad is all set to contest the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, scheduled for October-November 2025. The elections come at a time when Karnataka cricket is still reeling from the tragic stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June, which left 11 fans dead.

The current KSCA regime, led by Raghuram Bhatt, has been under pressure ever since the government-appointed Justice D’Cunha Commission indicted the association and other parties for lapses that led to the stampede.

Secretary Shankar A. and treasurer ES Jairam stepped down after criminal proceedings were initiated, leaving leadership gaps that need to be filled urgently. Raghuram Bhatt’s term officially ends on September 30, opening the door for a new leadership team.

Venkatesh Prasad Comes To KSCA’s Rescue

With several senior KSCA posts currently lying vacant, including secretary and treasurer, the upcoming elections are expected to be a turning point.

According to PTI, ex-cricketer Venkatesh Prasad will contest the election. Prasad, who has worn many hats in cricket as a player, coach, selector, and commentator, is no stranger to administration. 

He had earlier served as the vice-president of KSCA between 2013 and 2016, during Anil Kumble’s tenure as president. However, after that stint, the 56-year-old stayed away from administration, focusing on his coaching career and media work.

This time, Prasad will not contest alone. He will have the backing of seasoned cricket administrator Vinay Mruthyunjaya, a former KSCA treasurer and member of the BCCI Finance Committee. 

M Chinnaswamy Stadium Faces Shut Down Threat

If elected into KSCA, Venkatesh Prasad’s first big administrative challenge will be to save the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium from complete shutdown. After the deadly stampede, tournaments like the Women’s World Cup and Maharaja Trophy have been moved out, citing a lack of safety measures. Not only that, but Chinnaswamy could be shut down for the IPL 2026, as talks of new stadium construction have begun to surface.