Former Indian fast bowler and the newly appointed president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Venkatesh Prasad, is approaching his role with a clear focus on responsibility and revival, steering clear of blame. In an exclusive conversation, he outlined his vision to restore faith in Karnataka cricket, bolster its foundations, and champion a more inclusive future for the sport.
A Thankless Job Driven by Passion
Venkatesh Prasad describes his position at the helm of KSCA as a "thankless" and "honorary" role that offers no personal gain. Yet, he undertakes it with a sense of duty. "It's about giving back to Karnataka cricket for everything it has given me," he states with a laugh, highlighting his deep-rooted connection to the state's cricketing ecosystem.
Addressing Setbacks and Restoring Confidence
The recent stampede during the RCB's IPL victory celebrations in Bengaluru raised serious safety concerns among fans, casting doubt over the city's ability to host major events. Prasad directly addressed the issue, clarifying that the celebration was not a KSCA-organized event. He pointed to the association's long-standing safety record, noting that the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has hosted international and domestic matches for over five decades without incident, including the high-pressure India-Pakistan World Cup clash in 1996.
While acknowledging the situation was mishandled, Prasad is focused on solutions. His immediate and primary goal is clear: to bring international cricket, IPL matches, and BCCI tournaments back to Bengaluru. The city's omission from hosting marquee fixtures, including Women's World Cup matches, was a painful blow. "It hurt — for the fans and for the association," he admits. However, he reports positive dialogue with the government and the BCCI, with domestic cricket scheduled for January, signaling a hopeful return to normalcy at the Chinnaswamy.
Grassroots Growth and a Watershed for Women's Cricket
For Prasad, sustainable progress is built on a solid structure. "Only when you have proper infrastructure, league matches, and regular tournaments can talent emerge," he explains, citing the system that produced players from his own generation.
A defining pillar of his vision is unwavering support for women's cricket, especially inspired by India's thrilling World Cup final victory. "I have never had any gender bias," Prasad asserts. This belief was actioned during the KSCA elections, where he supported a woman cricketer's candidacy, which resulted in a historic win. He compares the impact of the Women's World Cup run to the iconic 1983 Men's World Cup win, believing it will inspire a new generation of girls to pick up bat and ball.
Looking Beyond: India's Multi-Sport Ascent
Prasad's outlook extends beyond cricket's boundaries. He is encouraged by India's rising stature as a multi-sport nation, citing remarkable achievements in badminton, athletics, shooting, hockey, and football. With India bidding for the Olympics and cricket's inclusion in future Games, he sees this as a transformative phase. "India is becoming a force to be reckoned with in global sport," he observes.
Aligning with this ambition, his long-term dream for Karnataka involves creating world-class infrastructure. "I want to build a state-of-the-art stadium — maybe even redevelop Chinnaswamy — and give world-class facilities to players, members, and fans," Prasad concludes, painting a picture of a modern, inclusive, and thriving cricketing future for the state.
