Prasad launches campaign with strong backing from Karnataka legends
With former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad at the helm, Team Game Changers formally announced their slate of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka State Cricket Association elections scheduled for November 30. The unveiling took place at a campaign event in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where two giants of Karnataka cricket — Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath — appeared in person to endorse Prasad’s bid and call for a structural reset in the state’s cricket ecosystem.
Prasad outlined the scale of challenges facing the association, emphasising the urgent need to rebuild infrastructure across academies, grounds, and stadiums. “There are always challenges and now it’s an even bigger challenge. The academies, the grounds, the stadiums – they are in dilapidated condition and we need to work on it. It’s a huge effort.”
He added that bringing cricket back to the forefront — especially at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has lost hosting rights in recent years — remains a core priority for his panel. “Cricket has suffered, and has taken a backseat completely. Women’s cricket has been neglected. So we need to work on all these areas. It’s not going to be easy, and you’re not going to see results right away. But our focus is simple and straight to the point – reviving Chinnaswamy Stadium’s glory by getting back international matches.”
Somasunder explains why cricket-minded leadership is essential
Former Karnataka opener and BCCI Centre of Excellence educator Sujith Somasunder, nominated as Prasad’s vice-president candidate, spoke candidly about the need for administrators who understand cricket from the ground up. “I was completely immersed in the activities for the Centre of Excellence. But as cricketers, we always have one eye on what’s happening – who’s playing well, which youngster is coming through, how the system is functioning. It became very evident that cricket was not being run by people who understood the game.”
His decision to contest elections, he said, stemmed from a sense of responsibility. “When we have the opportunity to give back, I can’t keep complaining forever. I have to put my hand up and sacrifice whatever I’m enjoying for a bigger cause. I always told coaches to have others’ orientation rather than self-orientation. If I don’t execute that myself when the opportunity arises, then what’s the point?”
Kumble calls for revival after years of decline
Kumble, who previously served as KSCA president between 2010 and 2013, called attention to a decline he believes has undone much of the progress built during his administration. “We felt that Karnataka cricket is suffering and one of the reasons why we are here is to make a difference. Seems like whatever happened in those three years (2010–2013) has been undone.”
He also stressed the importance of prioritising both aspiring players and fans. “What is critical is the importance that needs to be given to the aspirant boy or girl who dreams of playing. The other stakeholder that has been neglected is the fan. Cricket is so popular because of the fans, and for us, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is like a temple.”
The tragic June 4 stampede at the stadium, which left several fans dead, weighed on his message. “June 4th was a black mark for all of us. We certainly feel very hurt, saddened and we are all with the families of the lives that were lost. That cannot be undone. But I think what can certainly be done is to again regain the glory of Karnataka cricket.”
Kumble said Karnataka’s once-dominant position in domestic cricket has eroded. “Karnataka is, in terms of Ranji Trophies, they are only second to Mumbai. And that glory has been lost over the years. And even in terms of representation, that also has been lost.”
He pointed to India’s recent Women’s World Cup triumph as both a moment of pride and a reminder of Karnataka’s diminishing presence. “The recent historical victory by the women’s cricket team, we are all extremely proud of the girls. The way they went and won the tournament at the halfway stage it seemed like they may not qualify. And with an important member missing out on the semi-final and the final and then the replacement coming in and winning the player of the final, this is something truly amazing. But what was very evident was we didn’t have a representative there. I think that’s something that needs to change as well.”
Srinath urges investment in infrastructure and youth pathways
Javagal Srinath, former KSCA secretary and one of India’s greatest pacers, echoed similar concerns, particularly around the deterioration of cricket infrastructure across Karnataka. “When one group hands over responsibility to another, you need to add more infrastructure, more teams, and give opportunities to more kids. If you see this kind of dwindling infrastructure, what kind of signals are you sending?”
For Srinath, Prasad represents a corrective course. “The reputation of KSCA needs to be restored. Venkatesh Prasad is here to change that course again – for development, for growth, and for the youngsters who want to make it big in cricket.”
A roadmap for Chinnaswamy Stadium and future state development
With the Chinnaswamy Stadium currently limited to club matches amid safety and governance issues, Prasad underlined the need for collaborative engagement with authorities. “We believe in having a proper dialogue with the government, and adhere to whatever the safety audit report has told us.”
Somasunder added that renovation would require a disciplined, long-term plan. “The stadium renovation work needs to be done in a phased manner, and is something we will take up on priority. We may not be able to increase the capacity, but we should certainly comply with safety norms and ensure cricket returns to one of India’s storied venues.”
Prasad reiterated the broader objective of rebuilding statewide cricket pathways. “We have come together because we believe Karnataka cricket needs to be rebuilt. All the cricketers of Karnataka are behind us in this effort. Our goal is to restore the pride of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, build infrastructure across the State and strengthen the pathway for young players.” His message underscored a collective push toward structural renewal, signalling that the election would be more than a contest for positions — it would be a referendum on the future direction of Karnataka cricket.
