For over a decade, elections at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) were quiet, predictable events. Committees led by figures like former India spinner Raghuram Bhat and World Cup winner Roger Binny often sailed in unopposed. Even the 2013 win of the late Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar and Brijesh Patel was largely smooth. That era of calm has now been decisively shattered.
A Deeply Polarised Contest for Control
This year, the KSCA is witnessing one of its most charged and contentious elections in recent memory. A genuine power tussle, marked by allegations and counter-allegations, will culminate in polls during the association's Annual General Body Meeting at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. For the first time in years, there is no clear, unchallenged path to power.
The battle lines are sharply drawn. On one side is a panel led by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, which boasts significant cricketing pedigree. His team is supported by stalwarts like Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, and Shantha Rangaswamy. It includes former India batter Sujith Somasundar, contesting for vice-president, and former cricketers Avinash Vaidya and Kalpana Venkatchar for the managing committee. Kalpana is the only woman candidate from either side.
Opposing them is the group led by KN Shanth Kumar, which emphasizes administrative experience but is noticeably light on first-class cricketing background. Backed by former secretary Brijesh Patel, its lone former first-class cricketer is ex-Karnataka wicketkeeper VS Thilak Naidu, contesting for a managing committee seat.
The Stakes: A House in Disorder
Whoever emerges victorious on Sunday will inherit an association mired in crisis and instability. The KSCA has been grappling with severe challenges following a tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations in June. The incident led to heavy scrutiny and a wave of resignations across key positions, leaving the administrative structure crippled for months.
More critically, the iconic 50-year-old M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been blacklisted on safety grounds. This has resulted in the loss of prestigious international fixtures, including key matches and the final of the ICC Women's World Cup. Domestic matches continue to be played behind closed doors, while long-standing infrastructural and developmental issues remain unaddressed.
The Final Decision Rests with Members
After months of intense lobbying, persuasion, and political manoeuvring, the fate of the KSCA now rests with its 1,500 life members and 343 institutional members. Their votes will determine which leadership group takes the helm during one of the most turbulent phases in the association's history.
The central contest sees Venkatesh Prasad challenging KN Shanth Kumar for the president's post. Meanwhile, former secretary Santosh Menon will contest against AE Jairam for the secretary's position. Jairam had resigned as treasurer on moral grounds following the June stampede.
Both panels have conducted aggressive, state-wide campaigns, meeting members and outlining their visions to restore the KSCA's prestige and operational efficiency. The core promise from the Prasad camp has been to bring international cricket back to Chinnaswamy. The outcome will decide not just the leadership, but the future trajectory of cricket administration in Karnataka.
