Mysuru is being positioned as the next major cricket development hub in Karnataka, with the Karnataka State Cricket Association laying out an ambitious roadmap centred on grassroots growth, infrastructure expansion and talent development across the state. Speaking at the launch of the official Maharaja Trophy T20 2026 Anthem in Mysuru on Thursday, Karnataka State Cricket Association Secretary Santosh Menon said the city has consistently reflected a strong cricketing culture and will now play a crucial role in the association’s long-term vision for the sport in Karnataka. He said Mysuru has always hosted cricket in style and continues to remain one of the most important centres outside Bengaluru.
Menon said the association’s focus is not only on conducting tournaments but also on building a strong ecosystem that can produce high-quality cricketers for the future. He noted that franchise-based T20 tournaments in Karnataka, including the Karnataka Premier League and Maharaja Trophy, have already helped several players progress to the Indian Premier League and higher levels of competitive cricket. He also acknowledged the long-standing association and support of Mysuru-based franchise stakeholders, including Mysore Cycle, which has been part of Karnataka’s cricket ecosystem since the early days of the state’s T20 league structure.
Highlighting the broader development plan, Menon said the Karnataka State Cricket Association has rolled out cricket academies across six zones within months of the new administration taking charge. The academies currently cater to multiple age categories for boys and girls, including U-14, U-16 and U-19 groups. He said the response from women’s cricket has been particularly encouraging, reflecting growing participation at the grassroots level. Menon said Mysuru remains a traditional cricketing hub, with the region having produced several notable players over the years. He expressed confidence that young cricketers from Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts would benefit from the expanded academy system and go on to represent Karnataka and higher levels of cricket in the future.
On infrastructure development, he announced plans for an indoor cricket facility at Gangotri Glades, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted training during the monsoon season. He also confirmed a long-term partnership with JSS College, including a 10-year lease agreement and joint investment for ground development works. He said the Karnataka State Cricket Association is also exploring similar collaborations across Mysuru to improve access to quality cricket facilities for players from both urban and rural backgrounds. The aim, he said, is to ensure that talent from all parts of the region gets a fair pathway into competitive cricket.
Menon praised the efforts of Karnataka State Cricket Association Mysuru convener Srinivas Prasad, saying he has played a key role in managing tournament operations, ticketing, and administrative coordination across events. He also acknowledged the support of senior former India cricketers associated with the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s developmental vision, including Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Joshi, who have been actively contributing to strengthening cricket structures in the state. Calling for stronger media engagement, Menon urged print and electronic media to give greater visibility to grassroots performances, saying recognition of young cricketers would play a vital role in motivating emerging talent across Karnataka.