After former India ODI World Cup winning captain, Kapil Dev urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend their help and support in Anshuman Gaekwad’s treatment over blood cancer, the Indian board has made brisk moves to provide INR 1 Crore financial assistance. Earlier, Dev and his Indian teammates offered to donate their pension amount to the noble cause if the family of Anshuman Gaekwad accepted it.
But, lately, the BCCI has extended their support, offering a massive amount of INR 1 Crore for Anshuman’s treatment. “Mr. Jay Shah has instructed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to release Rs 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 as quoted by ANI.
Jay Shah extends support to Gaekwad’s family
Moreover, Shah also spoke to Gaekwad’s family and extended all possible support from the board for saving the former cricketer’s life. “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 statement continued while adding that the BCCI will continue to monitor his health.
“The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly,” it added.
Earlier, Kapil Dev voiced for support of his teammate. “It is a sad and very depressing. I am in pain because I have played alongside Anshu and can’t bear to see him in this state. No one should suffer. I know the Board will take care of him. We are not compelling anyone. Any help for Anshu will have to come from your heart. He took blows on his face and chest when standing up to some of the ferocious fast bowlers. Now is the time for us to stand up for him. I am sure our cricket fans will not fail him. They should pray for his recovery,” Kapil Dev told Sportstar.
It is to be noted that Gaekwad played for India between 1975 and 1987 and later served as India’s head coach in two separate stints. During his 13-year-long career, he played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs.