First visit to Mysuru city after winning KSCA Presidential poll; talks on with Home Minister to host inaugural session of IPL next season at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru

Mysore/Mysuru: Newly elected President of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Venkatesh Prasad is firm on building a cricket stadium in the City of Palaces Mysuru.

Speaking to media persons during his visit to Gangothri Glades (SDNR Wadiyar Stadium) at Manasagangothri in the city this morning, after winning KSCA elections, Prasad, a former pacer of Indian cricket team said, ‘We are firm on constructing a cricket stadium in Mysuru, the city with which many share a closer bond. I also have my roots in Mysuru, which is a cultural city. Moreover, the children need better playgrounds to hone their talents and the best among them need opportunities.’

On the persistent efforts to restore M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bengaluru, that is out of bounds for cricket lovers, following the stampede incident that claimed 11 lives in June this year, Prasad, who sounded hopeful explained that, he has discussed the subject with Home Minister Dr. G.  Parameshwar over phone and will be meeting the latter personally, after the conclusion of winter session of the Assembly in Belagavi. Along with IPL, other domestic and international-level matches too should be played at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The matter has been discussed with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he added.

“As is the practice, the next season of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches should begin from the home ground of winners of previous season, which was won by RCB. We have a good team in place at KSCA, with a woman office-bearer too elected this time. Whatever we lost in the last three years will be restored. The women’s cricket and club-level crickets, followed by college-level crickets will be conducted to give more impetus to cricketing activities from the grassroots level” added Prasad.

KSCA Mysuru Zone Convener P. Srinivas Prasad was present on the occasion.