Bengaluru: Former international cricket player Venkatesh Prasad and key KSCA office bearer Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who are contesting for the upcoming Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, have renewed their long-pending demand to honour cricketing icons Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid by naming the two ends of the Chinnaswamy Stadium after them.
Addressing mediapersons after unveiling a wide-ranging manifesto covering safety, infrastructure, and player development, Prasad said “Every cricketer who has represented India from Karnataka is a legend. But Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid, with over 100 Test matches each and stints as India captains, stand apart. Naming the two ends at Chinnaswamy as the ‘Anil Kumble End’ and the ‘Rahul Dravid End’ would be the most fitting tribute.”
He recalled that the idea was first proposed nearly 12–13 years ago during Kumble’s presidency, stressing that it was not an electoral ploy but a long-overdue recognition.
While acknowledging other legends such as G. R. Viswanath, E. A. S. Prasanna, B. S. Chandrasekhar, Syed Kirmani, and Roger Binny, the leaders underlined that Kumble and Dravid symbolised Karnataka’s unmatched contribution to Indian cricket at the highest level. Alongside the naming proposal, the panel assured that safety of fans at Chinnaswamy Stadium would be given utmost priority.
“We will conduct a detailed safety audit, act on every recommendation, and implement remedial measures on fast track. There will be no compromise when it comes to spectator safety,” the leaders said.
Former India pacer Prasad, joined by Shantha Rangaswamy, symbolically released the manifesto which laid out both short-term and long-term strategies. He announced that grassroots tournaments would be relaunched on fixed schedules before player selection, while zonal academies would be established across the state to nurture young cricketers.
Between 25 and 40 of the best players from these centres would then be brought to Bengaluru for advanced training at a proposed Centre of Excellence.
On infrastructure, Prasad promised to transform Chinnaswamy Stadium into a “future-ready smart stadium” with state-of-the-art facilities. They also revealed plans for a new worldclass stadium in Mysuru, with the Chief Minister already indicating willingness to allot land for the project.
The manifesto further emphasised optimal use of KSCA-owned grounds in Gadag, Dharwad, and Hubballi through signature development projects.
Prasad said he would also seek approval from members for the expansion of Chinnaswamy Stadium’s seating capacity to over 50,000. Another pending project that would be revived is the proposed cricket museum at Chinnaswamy, aimed at showcasing Karnataka’s cricketing heritage and drawing tourists to the venue.
Mrthunjaya stressed that their stand was rooted in transparency and decisive leadership. “Our manifesto stands for decisive leadership and transparency. No backroom dealings. Once elected, we assure pure cricket, no commerce, and no conflict of interest,” he said.
On the financial front, leaders clarified that audited balance sheets, budgets, and reports are already made available to members as per by-laws, and any new projects would move forward only after members’ consent.
Prasad emphasised that the new leadership would keep open communication with the media, recalling his own past experience as treasurer and spokesperson. “KSCA is a public office, and we will remain proactive in sharing information with the media,” he said.
Concluding their address, the contestants reiterated that their three core priorities would be league cricket, infrastructure, and player development. “Our entire focus will remain cricket-centric, ensuring Karnataka’s cricketers and fans get worldclass facilities, while honouring the legacy of legends like Dravid and Kumble,” they said.
