We want to revive international cricket at Chinnaswamy, bring back the glory: Venkatesh Prasad

Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad has confirmed that he will be contesting the elections for the president's post at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). This is a very pivotal moment for cricket in the state, as the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the iconic venue managed by the association, has been deprived of higher level of cricket following the RCB stampede incident.

As a result, Prasad has promised that he will make sure to upgrade the infrastructure and the overall facilities across the venues in Karnataka to make sure there is enough development in state cricket. The former cricketer also ensured taking steps to bring back international cricket to Chinnaswamy, which lost all of its games for the Women's World Cup 2025, and is not in consideration to host the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“It's a responsibility to give it back to the association, youngsters. The infrastructure, dressing rooms, and facilities are in shambles. We need to develop it and give more opportunities to bring more grounds into our fold and organize the game in a structured way, which is what we are planning to do, and the most important thing is to get back the international matches. We want to revive that glory,” Prasad told the reporters.

Legendary India and Karnataka cricketers Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath have also come forward to support Prasad in wanting to take the things forward at the KSCA smoothly. Kumble has said that the cricket in the state has been going through a lot of suffering and that it is the need of the hour to bring about a difference.

“What's important is that we've all gathered here for cricket. Hats off to Venky for initiating this whole process. We're here because we feel Karnataka cricket is suffering, and we want to make a difference,” Kumble said as per a KSCA release.

Meanwhile, Javagal Srinath has also stressed on the importance of bringing about accountability from within the stakeholders and office-bearers. He also said that the Karnataka's state association doesn't need to be run by people sitting outside.

“One of the words I've coined is backseat driving syndrome, and that has to stop. When the KSCA has dignity and respect, there's no need for anyone to control things from behind. It's time for the focus to return to cricket and to those who serve the game with integrity,” the former India pacer said.

The KSCA elections will be held on November 30. It will be interesting to see if the newly elected board is able to revive IPL in Bengaluru before the 2026 season, because otherwise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, also the defending champions, will have to play their home games in some other city for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich tournament.