Former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Prathap Simha has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for approving the allocation of land for an international cricket stadium in Mysuru. The approval was granted during the recent State Cabinet meeting held atop Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamarajanagar.
A Long-Awaited Dream for Mysuru
For years, Mysuru’s cricket lovers and residents have dreamed of witnessing international matches in their own backyard. This vision came closer to reality during the tenure of the previous BJP government in 2021, when 19.5 acres of MUDA land in Hanchya-Sathgalli was identified for the project. However, due to the presence of a dried lake in the area, the proposal was eventually dropped.
Not letting the setback derail the effort, a fresh proposal was prepared under Prathap Simha’s guidance. A new 26.31-acre land parcel at Huyilalu in Yelwal was identified and officially submitted to the Revenue Department, complete with approvals from key officials including the Tahsildar, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Regional Commissioner.
United Efforts from Cricket and Civic Authorities
Prathap Simha also credited his consistent collaboration with key members of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Over the years, he held multiple meetings with:
Former KSCA Secretary Brijesh Patel
Present KSCA Secretary Shankar
Former KSCA Mysuru Zone Chairman Sudhakar Rai
Current Chairman S. Balchandar
KSCA Mysuru Zone Convenor Harikrishna Kumar
Other KSCA Managing Committee members
These meetings, according to Simha, laid the groundwork for a world-class cricket stadium in Mysuru.
Political Transitions Delayed Progress
The proposal saw a temporary halt when the BJP did not return to power in the state, leaving the project in limbo. Despite the political pause, Simha continued advocating for the stadium, maintaining hope that the project would eventually gain traction.
A Major Boost from the Siddaramaiah-Led Cabinet
That hope was fulfilled when the current Congress-led Cabinet under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah officially approved the land allocation for the stadium. Simha said the decision marked the culmination of three years of sustained efforts and coordination with multiple stakeholders.
He also extended his thanks to MLA G.T. Devegowda, former Regional Commissioner Dr. G.C. Prakash, former Deputy Commissioner Dr. K.V. Rajendra, and all other government officials who supported the initiative throughout its journey.
A Win for Sports and Mysuru
The proposed international stadium is expected to elevate Mysuru’s profile on the global cricketing map. Once completed, it will not only host domestic and international matches but also boost tourism, local infrastructure, and sporting culture in the region.
With the land now officially allocated, Mysuru is finally on track to join the ranks of cities with world-class cricketing infrastructure — a dream set in motion by Prathap Simha and brought to fruition with support across party lines.