The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has come under severe scrutiny ever since a stampede killed 11 fans and left many injured while celebrating RCB’s maiden IPL title win in June this year.
Earlier this month, the cabinet approved Justice John Michael D'Cunha's Commission verdict, which deemed Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium "unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering".
Rumours are rife that the iconic venue will not get to host any matches of the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025.
Amid the outrage, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has taken first solid step towards bringing cricket back to Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Prasad is set to contest the upcoming KSCA elections as he released the manifesto of his panel on Wednesday (August 20).
“That's something that shouldn't have happened, (stampede) honestly. We have to be very proactive in liaisoning with the (state) government. We have to ensure that matches are played in Chinnaswamy Stadium as soon as possible,” said Prasad during a press conference after unveiling the manifesto.
Prasad hinted that his panel of contestants will have 16 members, even though he refused to name them at this stage.
The KSCA elections may take place in October or November as the incumbent regime led by Raghuram Bhat will complete its three-year term on September 30.
“We need to bring back the lost glory as far as the stadium is concerned. We would like to bring back international cricket. We have seen that every international match has been moved out of Bangalore.
“It's such an iconic venue — Chinnaswamy Stadium which has been standing for the last 50 years. This is something which has never happened where the international matches have been moved out. It is not a good thing,” added Prasad.
Prasad and his fellow panelist Vinay Mruthyunjaya are aware of the challenges ahead, and they have certain plans to revive cricket in a stadium that has seen some memorable moments in the past.
“As a long term strategy, we want to develop the Chinnaswamy Stadium into a future ready smart stadium with cutting edge facilities. Also, we want to set up another world class stadium in Mysuru,” said Mruthyunjaya.
Increasing the capacity of the venue from the current 35,000 to at least 50,000 too is also on their minds.
“There will be no compromise as far as the safety of the fans or the spectators is concerned. I am sure we cannot take it to 80,000 or something like that.
“So probably another 15,000 more, maybe up to 50,000, now it is 34,000-35,000. We need to work on that along with architects,” said Prasad.
Both Prasad and Mruthyunjaya are not unfamiliar to administration as they were vice-president and treasurer respectively during the administration headed by Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath.
When asked what prompted him to return to the administration, Prasad replied: “Vinay and Santosh (Menon) came to me regarding the upcoming elections and discussed what we can do (to restore cricket) if we come back to power. So, I always had this thought in my mind about getting into administration at some point of time.”
“So, that's the whole purpose for us to be here, to release a manifesto and what this team is going to achieve. If we get into power, you've all gone through the manifesto, and in terms of what we are going to do for men's cricket because that's not something which has not happened.
“There's no structure with men's cricket or women's cricket (in Karnataka) or even for the banks and industries. Those matches have not happened in the last few years, and not just watching international matches,” he explained.
During the press meet, Prasad was also shared his two cents on India's upcoming fixture against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025.
“As far as I know, bilateral (matches) are going to be and it's a huge issue. I'm with the BCCI when it takes a stand. Whatever stand they take, I'm sure they're taking it in the interest of the citizens of the country. So, if they are taking a decision, so be it,” he remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)
