Venkatesh Prasad returns as KSCA president after decisive 191-vote victory

Bengaluru: Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has made a strong comeback to cricket administration, winning the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) presidential election by a clear margin of 191 votes.

The much-watched election, held on Saturday from morning to evening, saw Prasad secure 749 votes against rival Shanthakumar’s 558, marking his return to KSCA leadership after 12 years.

Supported by the group led by former cricketers Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble, Prasad’s panel swept key positions. Sujith Somasunder was elected as vice-president, while Madhukar won the treasurer’s post. Santosh Menon emerged victorious as KSCA secretary.

A total of 1,315 votes were cast in this election, slightly lower than the record turnout of 1,351 votes in 2013. The road to the polls, however, was not without controversy. Initially, Prasad was set to be elected unopposed after Shanthakumar’s nomination was rejected.

But a last-minute legal challenge by Shanthakumar resulted in the court reinstating his nomination and directing that the election be held as scheduled. Despite that twist, Prasad went on to register a convincing win.

Prasad previously served as KSCA vice-president from 2010 to 2013, during the tenure of Anil Kumble as president and Javagal Srinath as secretary. His return now marks a significant revival of his administrative career within Karnataka cricket.

A prominent name in Indian cricket, Prasad made his international debut in 1994 and became one of the team’s leading fast bowlers. He picked up 96 wickets in 33 Test matches and claimed 196 wickets in 161 One-Day Internationals.

His election victory is being viewed as a major shift in KSCA politics, with the Srinath–Kumble–Prasad combine regaining control of the state’s cricket administration.

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