Anil Kumble Bowls Over with a New Hat: From Cricket Pitch to Forest Niche as Wildlife Ambassador

Former Indian cricket captain Anil Kumble has been named the Karnataka State Forest and Wildlife Ambassador, a decision announced by the state’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on May 27, 2025. Kumble, who is well-known for his strong passion for wildlife and environmental conservation, has previously held the position of Vice-President of the Karnataka Wildlife Board.

 

Minister Khandre praised Kumble’s outstanding reputation and his dedication to forest conservation, tree preservation, and wildlife protection. “Anil Kumble has a deep concern for wildlife and a love for forests. He has agreed to take on this role without any payment, purely out of a sense of social responsibility,” Khandre remarked.

 

Kumble expressed his gratitude to the Karnataka government and committed to raising awareness about the state’s rich biodiversity, supporting forest department staff, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. His appointment is anticipated to invigorate conservation efforts and encourage the public to engage more actively in safeguarding Karnataka’s natural heritage.

 

In the past two years, Karnataka has organized over 8,800 Vanamahotsavas (tree-planting festivals), planted around 8.5 crore saplings, and developed 1,20,975 hectares of plantations, along with establishing 25 new arboretums and 35 forests. The government also has plans to create a significant new park on 153 acres near Yelahanka, Bengaluru, which will be the city’s first large park development in over a century.

 

Khandre also highlighted the ongoing efforts to reclaim encroached forest land in Bengaluru, with 128 acres recently cleared, and the legal battles that continue to protect forest land from commercial exploitation.

 

Source: Deccan Herald, News18, Economic Times