MSK Prasad named Team Director of Venice Livewires for Italia T10 League

Venice Livewires have brought in former BCCI Chief Selector MSK Prasad as their Team Director for the Italia T10 League, a six-team competition running from November 18 to November 29 at Roma Cricket Ground in Italy. Prasad's appointment adds significant administrative weight to the franchise as it prepares for its campaign at the tournament.

Livewires Advertising Private Limited Managing Director Arvind Tadakamalla is one of the principal figures driving the Venice Livewires project, with TNR Mohit occupying the role of Executive Director at the franchise. Mohit, who has a cricket background of his own having captained Doiwala Kings and been associated with Nainital Tigers, brings on-field experience to the franchise's leadership structure alongside Prasad.

Prasad, a wicketkeeper-batter by trade, wore the India cap across six Tests and 17 ODIs during his playing days. His administrative chapter began in 2016 when he took charge of the BCCI Senior Selection Committee, a position he held until 2020. Following that stint, he moved into a consultancy capacity with the Lucknow Super Giants, contributing as a Strategic Consultant while also taking on responsibilities spanning Talent Search and Academies.

What does Prasad's appointment mean for Venice Livewires?

At Venice Livewires, Prasad's primary focus will be on squad planning and identifying players capable of competing at the Italia T10 League level. His years of evaluating talent for the Indian national side, combined with the grassroots and academy work he undertook at Lucknow Super Giants, give the franchise a structured approach to building their playing group in Italy.

"I am happy to be part of Venice Livewires for the Italia T10 League. Italy has good potential for cricket, and I look forward to using my experience to help build a competitive team and identify talented players. I also hope to contribute towards creating more opportunities for young cricketers and supporting the growth of the game in the country," Prasad said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

What did Prasad achieve during his tenure as BCCI Chief Selector?

Prasad's four-year run at the helm of the BCCI Senior Selection Committee coincided with several landmark results for Indian cricket. The most celebrated came in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, when India claimed a historic series victory on Australian soil under his selection watch. Earlier in his tenure, the side reached the final of the 2017 ICC Men's Champions Trophy, finishing as runners-up in that edition.

Those achievements underline the calibre of experience Prasad carries into his new role with Venice Livewires. His appointment signals the franchise's intent to approach the Italia T10 League with a professional structure, drawing on the kind of planning and player assessment that has shaped competitive cricket at the highest level.