Venkatesh Prasad Set For Unopposed KSCA Presidency After Rival Nomination Rejected

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad is poised to become the next president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) unopposed, following the rejection of rival candidate KN Shanth Kumar’s nomination on technical grounds during scrutiny on November 24. The Karnataka High Court-mandated elections are scheduled for December 7, but Prasad’s sole valid candidacy clears the path for his formal ascension.

Kalpana Venkatacahar withdrew her presidential nomination, while electoral officer Dr B Basavaraju IAS (Retd) approved Prasad’s papers under Justice Subhash B Adi’s supervision. Shanth Kumar, representing the Brijesh Patel faction and DH-PV Sports Club, was disqualified for four years of unpaid club subscriptions violating KSCA norms.

Return of the Kumble-Srinath Era Trio

Prasad previously served as KSCA vice-president from 2010-2013 alongside president Anil Kumble and secretary Javagal Srinath—a golden period he aims to recreate without “backseat driving.” His panel features former India batter Sujith Somasundar (vice-president), administrator Vinay Mruthynjaya (secretary), AV Shashidhar (joint secretary), Madhukar (treasurer), and ex-Karnataka cricketer Avinash Vaidya (managing committee).

The elections follow the Raghuram Bhatt-led committee’s tenure ending September 30, amid internal disputes resolved by the High Court enforcing Supreme Court guidelines.