Intro
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad says Belagavi lacks infrastructure for international cricket but supports future domestic matches development.
Belagavi
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad on Saturday said that Belagavi is not currently suitable for hosting international cricket matches, though domestic fixtures and training events can be organized in the city.
Addressing a press conference in Belagavi, Prasad said the KSCA has already launched the Maharaja Trophy and is working to expand opportunities for teams and players across Karnataka. He noted that prominent figures such as Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble were associated with the tournament initiatives, and highlighted the selection of Avinash Vaidya from Hubballi as a manager within the BCCI framework.
Responding to questions about the use of the KSCA stadium in Belagavi, Prasad said Karnataka has been developing cricket infrastructure across multiple districts, including Hubballi, Kalaburagi and Raichur, without discrimination. He added that Belagavi will host matches in the future as facilities improve.
However, he clarified that the current infrastructure in Belagavi does not meet the requirements for international matches. He said the venue could still be used for practice sessions and domestic-level games conducted under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Prasad emphasized that previous KSCA management decisions and infrastructure limitations contributed to the current situation. He assured that efforts are ongoing to improve facilities across the state and expand the reach of competitive cricket beyond Bengaluru.
He further stated that Karnataka cricket development is focused on decentralizing matches and promoting talent from all regions. While international fixtures may not be possible in Belagavi at present, he said the city will continue to play a role in domestic cricket activities in the coming years.
The remarks come amid discussions on expanding sports infrastructure in northern Karnataka and increasing opportunities for regional venues to host higher-level competitions.