Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 7: Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has made a strong comeback to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), winning the presidential election with a convincing margin. Voting for all 16 posts — including president and vice president — was held throughout Sunday, and Prasad emerged victorious with a 191-vote lead.

Supported by former cricketers Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble, Prasad secured 749 votes, defeating his rival Shanth Kumar of the Brijesh Patel panel, who bagged 558 votes. With this win, Prasad returns to the KSCA administration after 12 years, having last served as vice president between 2010 and 2013.

From Prasad’s panel, Sujith Somasundar has been elected vice president and Madhukar will serve as treasurer. Santosh Menon has been elected as the new general secretary of KSCA.

A total of 1,315 votes were polled in this election — slightly lower compared to the record turnout of 1,351 votes in 2013.

Earlier, Prasad was declared elected unopposed after Shanth Kumar’s nomination was rejected. However, a late court directive ensured his nomination was reinstated, leading to a full-fledged election — one that ultimately ended in Prasad’s favour.

Prasad, who made his international debut in 1994, remains one of India’s celebrated fast bowlers, with 96 Test wickets from 33 matches and 196 ODI wickets from 161 games. His return to the top cricket post in Karnataka marks a new chapter in state cricket administration, with fans and members anticipating significant progress under his leadership.