Venkatesh Prasad Elected KSCA President; Beats Shantakumar by 191 Votes in High-Voltage Election

The Bengaluru Live December 7, 2025 9:56 PM 2 minutes read

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Bengaluru: Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been elected as the new President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), marking a strong comeback to the cricket body after 12 years. Voting for 16 posts, including President and Vice-President, was held throughout Friday, with counting concluding in the evening.

Prasad, backed by the Javagal Srinath–Anil Kumble panel, secured 749 votes, defeating the Brijesh Patel faction’s candidate Shantakumar, who received 558 votes. Prasad won by a margin of 191 votes, reclaiming a position he last held during the 2010–2013 KSCA administration.

Among other key results,
• Sujith Somasundar from Prasad’s panel was elected Vice-President
• Madhukar was elected Treasurer
• Santosh Menon won the General Secretary post

This year’s election saw a total of 1,307 votes cast, slightly lower than the record 1,351 votes polled in 2013, the highest in KSCA’s history.

A twist before the elections

Shantakumar’s nomination was initially rejected, leading to Prasad being declared elected unopposed. However, following a legal challenge, the court reinstated Shantakumar’s nomination and ordered a full election. Even with the last-minute contest, Prasad secured a decisive victory.

Also Read: Karnataka High Court Restores K.N. Shanth Kumar’s Candidature for KSCA President; “Very Happy… Road Is Open to Contest,” He Tells TheBengaluruLive

Prasad’s cricketing legacy

Debuting for India in 1994, Venkatesh Prasad became one of the country’s most dependable bowlers. He picked up 96 wickets in 33 Tests and 196 wickets in 161 ODIs, earning a reputation for his skill and discipline.

His return to KSCA as President is expected to bring administrative reforms and renewed focus on Karnataka cricket development.