Uncertainty over Karnataka State Cricket Association poll date

Electoral Officer B Basavaraaju has written to the KSCA, postponing the elections to December 30 to clear all the doubts and confusion among members regarding eligibility questions over certain candidates

Bengaluru: Following a day of dramatic developments, uncertainty loomed large over the date of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, which were scheduled to be held on November 30 as per earlier notifications.

On Monday, Electoral Officer B Basavaraaju wrote to the KSCA, postponing the elections to December 30 in order to clear all the doubts and confusion among the members regarding eligibility questions over certain candidates.

AV Shashidara, a member of the KSCA, had filed a civil suit in the trial court, challenging the manner in which an interpretation was adopted by the Managing Committee of the State association regarding the nine-year term rule, and had obtained an interim order without hearing the KSCA (ex parte). 

The Electoral Officer had postponed the polls citing the trial court’s injunction order, indicating that the next hearing date would be on December 16.

However, following an order from the Karnataka High Court, vacating the trial court’s interim order, KSCA CEO Shubhendu Ghosh has officially requested the Electoral Officer to recall his letter postponing the elections and conduct the elections on November 30, as announced earlier. 

Meanwhile, both Team Brijesh, led by KN Shanth Kumar, and Game Changers, led by Venkatesh Prasad, urged that the elections be held as scheduled on November 30. 

Prasad, who is contesting for the president’s post, expressed his shock over the postponement in a hurriedly called news conference at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

“As it is, there has been a delay of more than two months. They then gave a decision saying that it’s going to happen on 30th of November. But now, even that is deferred and that is shocking to hear,” said Prasad.   

Team Brijesh, led by presidential aspirant Shanth Kumar, maintained that they were also keen on having the elections as per the earlier schedule. 

“We assure our members that we will put in all efforts to ensure that the elections are conducted and our prime objective has always been to protect Karnataka Cricket and ensure our BCCI affiliation is continued and our players are able to participate in the BCCI tournaments,” a release from Patel’s team said.