KSCA chief Venkatesh Prasad invites Deputy CM Parameshwara for T20 match

Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad on Tuesday formally invited Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara, who also holds the sports portfolio, to attend the upcoming T20 international match between India and West Indies at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this Saturday.

Prasad credited Dr Parameshwara for playing an instrumental role in the resumption of international and league cricket fixtures at the iconic venue. The invitation follows the state government's formal approval granted on Monday allowing the association to host international matches after months of restricted access.

Speaking on the security arrangements, the KSCA chief noted that an expert committee constituted by the government—headed by Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh—had thoroughly evaluated the ground's preparedness.

Prasad stated that about 90 percent of the panel's safety recommendations have been successfully met, spanning enhanced crowd control protocols and upgraded fire safety measures. He emphasized that the administration and management are keen to look past earlier setbacks and focus entirely on executing a seamless sporting event.

Discussions during the meeting also touched upon long-term infrastructure upgrades for Karnataka cricket. Prasad outlined plans to expand the seating capacity of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to approximately 60,000 spectators, alongside a master plan to establish a dedicated cricket training facility in Tumakuru.

The fifth and final fixture of the ongoing T20 series between India and the West Indies is scheduled for October 17. Ticket sales and local security deployments are moving forward in coordination with state departments as the city prepares to host its first major international contest in months.