Mumbai: BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Secretary Jay Shah has announced an aid of INR 1 crore for former India cricketer and ex-team India coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who is suffering from blood cancer. Shah personally reached out to Gaekwads family to offer support during this difficult time.
In a media release, the BCCI assured the family of every possible assistance and expressed confidence that Gaekwad will overcome this challenge.
Gaekwads condition was brought to light by former India cricketer Sandeep Patil earlier this year, who revealed that Gaekwad has been battling for his life for over a year and has been undergoing treatment in London.
The 67-year-old former cricketer also revealed that Gaekwad personally informed him about the need for financial support. Former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar also spoke directly to BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, who committed to looking into the request.
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, had also urged the BCCI to provide financial assistance for the 71-year-old Gaekwad.
Dev said that he is working to arrange funds for Gaekwad, along with several former cricketers, including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad.
He also emphasised the need to create a system to assist former players in situations like Anshumans. Kapil also insisted that he is willing to forgo his pension if the situation does not improve.
Unfortunately, we dont have a system. It is great to see this generation of players make good money. It is good to see the support staff members also being paid well. In our time, the Board did not have the money. Today, it has and should take care of the senior players from the past. But where do they send their contributions? If a Trust is formed, they can put their money there. But we dont have a system. There should be a Trust. I think BCCI can do that. They do look after the players, former and present. We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to, he said.
Gaekwads cricketing legacy is remarkable. He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987 and later served as Indias head coach in two separate stints.
