‘Committed to bringing IPL and international cricket back to Chinnaswamy’: KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad
On Dec. 8, 2025, the newly elected president of the KSCA, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad, announced plans to bring both IPL games and international fixtures back to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, while also aiming to strengthen cricket at every level in Karnataka.
Prasad’s victory signals a fresh start for the KSCA, which has been in the spotlight ever since the fatal stampede on June 4, 2025, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory parade, an incident that claimed 11 lives.
Having served as KSCA vice‑president from 2010 to 2013 and represented India in 33 Tests and 161 ODIs, Prasad explained that the “Team Game Changers” panel that secured the elections is committed to refocusing the organization on cricket and restoring the stadium’s standing as a premier international venue.
On X he posted, “Humbled to take on the responsibility as KSCA President. Committed to bringing IPL and international cricket back to Chinnaswamy, and to working for the growth of Karnataka cricket at all levels. With teamwork, transparency and dedication, we will get there. Thank you to every member who placed their faith in me.”
Former India cricketer Sujith Somasunder has been elected vice‑president, and Santosh Menon is returning to the secretary position, a role he held from 2019 to 2022. B.N. Madhukar will serve as treasurer, while BK Ravi, coming from the rival KN Shanth Kumar panel, has taken on the joint secretary post.
The elections proved fiercely competitive, with several nomination papers denied and a High Court case adding to the drama. Sunday’s tally saw 1,307 ballots cast—just below the record 1,351 from 2013.
Prasad won decisively with 749 votes, defeating KN Shanth Kumar who received 588. The Prasad‑led slate also benefited from the endorsement of former India stalwarts Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, who were KSCA president and secretary respectively between 2010 and 2013.
Somasunder, who had recently directed education at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, secured the vice‑presidency with 719 votes versus D. Vinod Sivappa’s 588. Menon captured the secretary seat with 672 votes against E.S. Jairam’s 632. Madhukar won treasurer with 736 votes over M.S. Vinay’s 571. The Shanth Kumar coalition earned a consolation spot, with Ravi taking the joint secretary role on 669 votes to A.V. Shashidhara’s 638.
Two life‑member seats on the managing committee went to V.M. Manjunath (690 votes) and Sailesh N. Poll (618). From the Bengaluru zone, former players Kalpana Venkatachar (764), Avinash Vaidya (691), and Aashish Amarlall (703) secured the three remaining positions.
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