Venkatesh Prasad to Contest KSCA Elections Amid Management Shake-up

Bengaluru, Aug 15 (PTI) – Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad is preparing to run in the upcoming Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, expected to be held between October and November. Prasad, known for his extensive experience as a coach, selector, and administrator, had previously served as vice-president of the KSCA from 2013 to 2016 during Anil Kumble's presidency.

Since then, Prasad shifted his focus away from administration towards a coaching career, while also contributing as a media pundit and commentator. The 56-year-old, a former India bowling coach for the 2006-2007 season, was also part of the coaching staff for the IPL team Punjab Kings, previously known as Kings XI Punjab. Prasad will be joined by veteran administrator Vinay Mruthyunjaya, a former KSCA treasurer and a member of the BCCI Finance Committee.

Prasad and Mruthyunjaya are expected to announce their complete panel soon. The term of the current KSCA regime, led by Raghuram Bhatt, will conclude on September 30. The current officials have come under scrutiny following the tragic stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which resulted in the deaths of 11 fans during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations.

As a consequence, KSCA secretary Shankar A and treasurer ES Jairam resigned, accepting moral responsibility for the incident, after the state cabinet approved criminal proceedings against association officials, along with key figures from RCB and the event management firm DNA. Legal actions are ongoing, following the submission of findings by the cabinet-appointed one-man Justice D’Cunha Commission to the government and the state High Court.

Currently, the secretary and treasurer positions within the KSCA remain vacant, and if plans proceed as intended, Mruthyunjaya could reclaim his role as treasurer. In a related development, former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, who was once captained by Prasad, is also expected to re-enter cricket administration by likely filing for the president's post in the upcoming Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) elections.

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