Former India Test cricket captain and highest wicket taker Anil Kumble has been appointed as vice-chairperson of Karnataka government’s Board for Wildlife, according to a government order dated October 14.

The position is of the rank of a Minister of State, officials said. “Anil Kumble, ex-national sportsman is appointed the vice-chairperson to the state Board for Wildlife in place of Sri Ananth Hegde Ashisar with immediate effect and until further orders,” read the government order issued in the name of the Governor.

Anil Kumble who retired from international cricket last year but captains the Royal Challengers Bangalore team in the 20:20 format has in the past been associated with wildlife causes. He was also linked to a possible entry into politics on a BJP ticket ahead of the Assembly elections in May last year. He, however, denied this.