Former India Pacer Venkatesh Prasad Set to Ignite KSCA Elections with Vice-President Bid

Former Indian cricket spearhead, Venkatesh Prasad, is poised to make a significant return to cricket administration, announcing his intention to contest the upcoming Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections. The veteran fast bowler, known for his incisive spells on the pitch and his outspoken views off it, will vie for the crucial post of vice-president in the elections slated for June 23.

Prasad’s decision injects a compelling narrative into the KSCA electoral landscape, especially given the backdrop of current KSCA president Roger Binny's elevation to the BCCI presidency in October 2022.

Binny, who previously led a successful panel alongside J Abhiram in the 2019 elections, is highly unlikely to contest, leaving a significant void and paving the way for a fresh leadership dynamic within the state body.

What makes Prasad’s candidature particularly intriguing is his past association and dramatic exit from the KSCA.

A former secretary of the association, Prasad was initially part of the very panel led by Roger Binny in 2019. However, he resigned from the KSCA Apex Council in early 2020, sending ripples through the state’s cricketing circles. His resignation letter was a scathing indictment, citing alleged widespread corruption, gross mismanagement, and a troubling lack of transparency within the administration.

Prasad’s detailed allegations included concerns over exorbitant payments to vendors without proper justification, irregularities in land acquisition processes for new cricket stadiums, and glaring conflicts of interest among key officials.

He also highlighted a disturbing lack of transparency in player selection, asserting that deserving talent was being overlooked. His letter underscored his frustration, stating that his attempts to address these critical issues with the Apex Council were consistently ignored, leaving him no option but to step down.

His bold stand resonated deeply, creating a significant stir that even prompted certain reforms, including a much-needed review of the player selection process.

The controversy also saw S. Shivprakash, secretary of Swamy Vivekananda Cricket Club, resign from the Apex Council, further emphasizing the seriousness of the issues raised. This period contrasts sharply with Roger Binny's 2019 campaign promise of delivering a clean and transparent administration.

As the KSCA Apex Council prepares to officially notify the election date and process, attention will also turn to other prominent figures who might throw their hats into the ring.

Speculation is rife about the possible return of former office bearers such as Brijesh Patel, a formidable figure who previously served as KSCA secretary and IPL chairman, along with Sadanand Mayya and Raghuram Bhat. Prasad’s re-entry, particularly with his past vocal advocacy for ethical governance, is set to make the upcoming KSCA elections one of the most keenly watched in recent memory, potentially ushering in a new era of accountability for Karnataka cricket.