A “long-awaited positive shift” has finally arrived for cricket in Karnataka, said newly elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, assuring that the association will work with absolute focus to rebuild, strengthen and expand cricketing infrastructure across the state — “not politics, only prosperity for cricket.”
Speaking at a press conference at the KSCA Stadium in Kanbargi, Belagavi, on Wednesday morning, Prasad said he was visiting the venue for the first time and was “happy yet concerned” about the state of the infrastructure. “The ground is good, but the stadium needs serious improvement. For almost three years, nothing has moved. Even the development work initiated earlier by Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath seems undone. We will set things right immediately,” he assured.
Prasad, who met the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister earlier in the day, described the discussions as “positive and encouraging.” He said the state leadership acknowledged the tragic incident at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations.
“So many matches and ceremonies have taken place at Chinnaswamy, but never something like this. It was deeply unfortunate. We pay our heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives,” he said, choosing not to comment on individual accountability.
He added that the BCCI is in constant touch and has assured full cooperation to close the case at the earliest. Because of the incident, the stadium could not host the Women’s World Cup fixture and several other important matches.
“To compensate for the loss, BCCI has committed to awarding us bilateral series matches — and even the opening matches of the IPL,” Prasad revealed.
The newly elected KSCA Executive Committee, which took charge on Monday morning, has already begun statewide inspections.
“In three days, we’ve met ministers, officials and visited Belagavi. From here, we go to Hubballi. Our intent should be clear now — we are here to rebuild cricket and bring better days,” Prasad said.
He emphasized that Belagavi, Shimoga, Tumakuru, Hubballi and other centres would see accelerated development, with a push to host quality matches regularly to nurture regional talent.
“All cricket centres, including Belagavi, will be upgraded at the earliest,” he reiterated.
Earlier, KSCA Dharwad Division Convener Avinash Potdar opened the press meet by recalling Belagavi’s cricketing legacy, including memories of Prasad’s iconic 1996 World Cup performance. KSCA Vice President Sujit Somasundar, Secretary Santosh Menannavar, and Vinay Mrityunjay were also present.