With billions for television rights and millions for salaries, the Indian Premier League of cricket is a big-time league in every respect. But now it is being disrupted in a most low-tech manner: by protesting, drought-stricken farmers. And maybe by snakes.

For decades, two Indian states, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have vigorously disputed water rights to the Cauvery River. Pressed by drought conditions, farmers in Tamil Nadu have recently increased their demands for more water.

The farmers decided that to get publicity for their cause, the best target was the high-profile I.P.L., an 11-year-old league that has been a smashing success, drawing top players and viewers from all over the world.

Now protests at the home opener of the Chennai Super Kings, based in the capital of Tamil Nadu, have caused the team’s six remaining home games to be moved to Pune, 600 miles away.