Bringing cricket back to Chinnaswamy Stadium was the main focus of an event when former India bowler Venkatesh Prasad announced his panel’s agenda on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards running in the next KSCA elections.
No games have been played at the iconic stadium since the stampede on June 4 that claimed the lives of 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters, putting it in danger of losing the ICC Women’s World Cup matches next month.
“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 in Bengaluru after revealing the manifesto.
Despite not naming them yet, Prasad made it clear that his panel of contestants would consist of 16 people.
Given that the current regime, led by Raghuram Bhat, would end its three-year term on September 30, the KSCA elections may be held in October or November.
“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 Vinay Mruthyunjaya, another panelist, are aware that, should they be chosen, the path ahead will not be simple, and they have specific plans to bring cricket back to a stadium that has witnessed some iconic moments in the past.
Renovating the Chinnaswamy and turning it into a smart stadium is one of the manifesto’s primary goals.
“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.
Aspiring panelists are particularly concerned about expanding the venue’s capacity from the present 35,000 to at least 50,000.
“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.
Since they served as vice president and treasurer, respectively, under Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, Prasad and Mruthyunjaya are both accustomed to administration.
What then led Prasad, who subsequently entered the coaching and media industries, to rejoin the administration?
“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 detailed.
Shanta Rangaswamy, the former captain of the Indian women’s team, also attended the event and emphasized the importance of reviving women’s cricket in the state.
“We haven’t seen much of women’s cricket in the last three years. I’m told, subject to correction, that even men’s cricket took a backseat because even their tournaments were not conducted in full. So, we want to launch structured (women) leagues equivalent to men’s tournaments for all age groups,” said Rangaswamy.
During the press conference, Prasad was also questioned about his thoughts on India’s forthcoming Asia Cup encounter versus Pakistan.
The former bowler, who had a number of memorable on-field moments against the bitter rivals, stated that the BCCI will choose the proper path.
“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 added.
