It is time to bring cricket back to Bengaluru: Venkatesh Prasad | Bengaluru News

When former India pacer and newly elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad talks about the state of cricket in Karnataka, there is no blame game, no dramatic rhetoric — only a clear sense of responsibility and a determination to set things right. Of his role and vision, Venkatesh tells us, “This is a thankless job; it’s an honorary role. There is no personal gain,” he says with a laugh. “But it’s about giving back to Karnataka cricket for everything it has given me,” he says. Venkatesh speaks to us about restoring trust after recent setbacks, strengthening grassroots cricket, backing women’s cricket, and his vision for Karnataka’s sporting future. The stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations cast a long shadow over cricket in Bengaluru, leaving fans anxious about returning to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. “That celebration was not a KSCA event,” Venkatesh states firmly as he addresses the incident. “KSCA has hosted international and domestic cricket for over 50 years without a single such incident. Even something as crucial as the India–Pakistan World Cup match in 1996 went off smoothly here,” he reminds us. While he acknowledges that the situation was poorly handled, he refrains from speculation. ‘We are working towards bringing back cricket to the city’Bengaluru missed out on hosting marquee fixtures, including Women’s World Cup matches. “It hurt — for the fans and for the association,” Venkatesh admits. “But we are working closely with the government and the BCCI to bring cricket back to the city,” he says adding that there are signs of progress already. “Domestic cricket is planned for January, and we are hopeful this is the beginning of more matches returning to Chinnaswamy,” he adds optimistically. For him, progress begins with structure. “Only when you have proper infrastructure, league matches and regular tournaments can talent emerge. That’s how players from our generation came through,” he explains. For now, Venkatesh’s priorities are firmly grounded. “The immediate goal is to bring international cricket, IPL matches and BCCI tournaments back to Bengaluru,” he says.‘The Women’s World Cup win felt like 1983 all over again’Among the most defining pillars of Venkatesh’s vision is his commitment to women’s cricket, especially in the wake of India’s recent World Cup triumph. “I have never had any gender bias,” he says simply. “That’s why it was important for us to have a woman cricketer contest — and win — the KSCA elections,” he affirms. The victory, he believes, marks a watershed moment. “It felt like 1983 all over again,” he says, adding, “It will inspire countless young girls to pick up the bat and ball.”‘India are no longer a one-sport nation’ Looking beyond cricket, Venkatesh is encouraged by India’s wider sporting momentum. “We are no longer a one-sport nation,” he says. “Look at badminton, athletics, shooting, hockey, football — it’s remarkable,” he points out. With India bidding to host the Olympics and cricket set to feature in future Games, he sees this as a defining phase. “It’s a massive boost. India is becoming a force to be reckoned with in global sport,” he says. “I want to build a state-of-the-art stadium — maybe even redevelop Chinnaswamy — and give world-class facilities to players, members and fans,” he says.