The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Sunday that it would release INR 1 crore as financial assistance for the treatment of former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London. This decision came after heartfelt appeals from former teammates, including Kapil Dev and Sandip Patil.

Emotional appeals from cricket legends

Anshuman Gaekwad’s condition was first brought to light by Sandip Patil earlier this month. Patil revealed that Gaekwad, the son of former India captain D.K. Gaekwad, is undergoing treatment for blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London. Patil also disclosed that Gaekwad himself had reached out for financial assistance, prompting former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar to speak with BCCI treasurer Ashish Selar.

In a further bid to support their former teammate, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev publicly urged the BCCI for financial aid. Kapil highlighted his efforts to arrange funds for Gaekwad, with the support of other cricket legends like Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad.

“Mr. Jay Shah has instructed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release ₹1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Mr Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” BCCI apex council said in a statement.

“Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support. The board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad’s quick recovery The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly,” the board’s statement added.

Anshuman Gaekwad’s cricketing legacy

The 71-year-old Anshuman Gaekwad has a distinguished cricketing career, having played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987. In Test cricket, he scored 1,985 runs, which included two centuries and ten fifties. In the 50-over format, he amassed 269 runs. Known for his solid technique and resilience, Gaekwad made significant contributions to Indian cricket during his playing years.

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The BCCI’s timely financial assistance is a testament to the strong bonds and support system within the cricketing community. The collective efforts of Gaekwad’s former teammates underscore the deep camaraderie and respect they hold for one another, both on and off the field.