Bengaluru: In a setback to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) administration led by its President Venkatesh Prasad, BCCI Ombudsman Justice Arun Mishra (retd.) has disqualified KSCA Hon. Secretary Santosh Menon, ruling that he had completed the maximum permissible nine-year tenure. 

The order was passed on a complaint filed by Dolphin Cricketers, a KSCA institutional member. Justice Arun Mishra said Menon could not continue in the post after completing the cumulative tenure limit and declared the position vacant. 

In the order dated June 24, Justice Mishra stated that Menon’s tenure ended on Dec. 16, 2025, nine days after he assumed charge following the KSCA elections held on Dec. 7. 

“Respondent No. 3 (Menon) has completed a cumulative term of nine years as a member of the Managing Committee and as an office-bearer; he is disqualified under Section   6B(3)(g),” the order stated. 

The Ombudsman noted that Menon’s earlier tenure as a Managing Committee member must also be counted while calculating the nine-year limit. The order clarified that holding different positions within the Association does not allow exclusion of any part of the tenure period. 

“The provisions of 6A and 6(B)(2)(e) do not come to the rescue in case a person is holding different posts. The period for all posts has to be cumulated under Rule 6(B)(2)(g) of KSCA Rules,” the order stated. 

The order further referred to the BCCI constitution, stating that no individual can hold any post for more than nine years. 

 Justice Mishra observed that the purpose of the tenure restriction would be diluted if the terms served as an office-bearer and Managing Committee member were considered separately. The Ombudsman directed the BCCI and KSCA to take further necessary action in the matter. 

Reacting to the order, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, in a press release, said the Association was examining the decision and would seek legal remedies.