Bangalore, Nov 3 (DHNS) : Karnataka’s cricketing jewels, led by Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, are set to contest the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections slated for November 21, even as Brijesh Patel, secretary for the last 12 years, on Tuesday said he would not seek another term.

It is believed that Kumble will contest for the president’s post and Srinath the secretary’s. Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, the incumbent president, is expected to seek a re-election, while Patel has thrown his weight behind the players’ brigade.

Patel, who swept to power in 1998, remained unopposed until 2007, when he defeated G Kasturi Rangan to retain the secretary’s post. The 2007 elections saw power equations in the association alter significantly after Wadiyar defeated Gundappa Viswanath to become the president, and his panel won one seat more than Patel’s.

In a press release, Patel said he had decided to step aside and not contest the ensuing elections, and instead support “young and distinguished Test cricketers Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Rahul Dravid and others who have pledged to take the KSCA forward in the coming challenging years”.

Kumble, Srinath and Patel are scheduled to address a press conference on Wednesday morning to explain their future course of action.

“I contributed to the Association with all my might and put my heart and soul to the growth and development of the association during these years,” Patel said.

“We cricketers, G R Viswanath, Syed Kirmani, Roger Binny, Sudhakar Rao, J Abhiram, others and myself came together in 1998 to contribute to the KSCA’s growth and prosperity. We put in our best efforts collectively for the past 12 years with utmost sincerity with the interest of the institution as our single goal,” he said.

With changing times, Patel went on, the need was for new ideas and young feet. “We are indeed lucky that we have living cricketing legends Anil, Rahul, Srinath and others who are willing to sacrifice their time and energy to take Karnataka cricket forward.”

I’ve seen these cricketers closely and I’ve immense faith and utmost confidence in their ability and commitments to make KSCA a model association not only of the country but also of the world.”

“In this context, I and my team have decided to extend unstinted support to this cause,” the former Indian batsman said.  “I’ve also assured my unconditional support by way of my experience and knowledge in the coming years to this young team.” With the cricketers having thrown their hat into the electoral ring, it will be interesting to see how the next few days unfold in the run-up to the polls.