03 June,2011 06:50 AM IST | | B V Shiva Shankar
Ambarish, who is the brand ambassador of Karnataka CCL team, is in a fix over the threat of farmers protesting against Ashok Kheny's ownership of the team. Besides, he is in no position to distance himself from the team, as the tournament is in the final stages of launch.
The star-turned-politician is caught between the CLL and the farmers led by Agni Sridhar, former don-turned-activist, who are planning to protest against Kheny for allegedly grabbing their land for the express highway coming up between Bangalore and Mysore.
Growing fears
Ambarish fears he may have invited the wrath of the farmers for associating with Kheny, as the region of Bangalore-Mysore falls under his constituency. At the same time, it is not easy for him to back out from being team ambassador, because he is also president of the Kannada Film Artistes' Association and the actors might feel let down if he does.
"Ambarish requested us to drop our protest explaining his plight. We understand his position, but we can't help him. We will go on protesting if Kheny is not removed as owner of the team," said Sridhar. He added that the farmers were not against the cricket matches, but were only opposing Kheny because they lost their land.
Keep it down
Ambarish had assured the protestors of resolving the crisis within two days, when they had approached him on Monday. He was expected to state his stand on Wednesday, but was not approachable throughout the day.
They did manage to reach him yesterday and he requested not make a big issue since his political position would be awkward.
"I understand the seriousness of the issue because it is related to the farmers. But, I think it is too late to go back on the CCL tournament. Thus, I said the issue would be addressed once the event is over," Ambarish said.
Costly affair
An insider in the Karnataka CCL team Karnataka Bulldozers said that Kheny's ownership of the team was inevitable since he was sponsoring the team to the tune of Rs 3 crore. "We are not in a position to mobilise that much money and hope Ambarish will back us," he said.
Meanwhile, the team practiced at the nets yesterday morning, undeterred by the developments. "We are not concerned with politics. Currently our focus is cricket," said actor Sudeep, captain of Karnataka team.
Kheny, who is confident of the CCL's success said, "This protest drama is only adding to the colour of the event. I know they can't do anything beyond shouting slogans."
