Venkatesh Prasad, former Indian pacer and newly elected president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, during his visit to Mysuru on December 16. Photo credit: MA Sriram
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president-elect Venkatesh Prasad hopes to get permission from the state government to host the opening match of the upcoming IPL 2026 in Bengaluru.
Mr. Prasad, also a former Indian seamer, told reporters in Mysore on December 16 that it was a tradition to host the IPL opening ceremony at the home ground of the defending champions.
Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the trophy last year, there was uncertainty over the curtain raiser venue for this year’s IPL in view of the tragic stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives during the victory celebrations in June this year.
Mr Prasad said he had already met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Although he and the newly elected KSCA team could not meet Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Mr. Prasad said he had spoken to him over the phone and would meet him soon after his return to Bengaluru from the ongoing legislative session in Belagavi.
Mr Prasad said he hoped to get the government’s permission and referred to a “green signal” from the government. However, he said the KSCA was awaiting written permission in view of what they had been told “verbally”.
Mr. Prasad said he was also in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), for whom the “green signal” from the state government to host the opening match of IPL 2026 in Bengaluru was a relief.
The KSCA president said that Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is set to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament to be held in Bengaluru. However, he said the venue for the match in Bengaluru with Mr Kohli’s Delhi team was yet to be finalised.
Mr. Prasad said the state government’s proposal to build a stadium on the outskirts of the city is likely for all sports activities, not just cricket.
Referring to the long-discussed proposal to build an international cricket stadium in Mysuru, he said that such a stadium should be built here as Mysuru is close to everyone.
He also emphasized the need for a good playground with infrastructure for children to play and develop their talent. Such good reasons are necessary in all mofusil areas, he said.
On the issue of IPL tickets being sold in the ‘black market’, Mr Prasad said he was not aware of any such practice and would definitely take action if it was found to be taking place.
Published – 16 Dec 2025 19:55 IST
