BCCI to provide Rs 1 crore financial assistance for Anshuman Gaekwad in cancer battle

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has instructed the board to release Rs 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance for former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer.

According to BCCI Apex Council sources, Shah has also spoken to Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support. Gaekwad has been undergoing cancer treatment at the King’s College Hospital in London.

“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 BCCI Apex Council stated.

Gaekwad, represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs, amassing over 2000 runs in a career spanning 13 years from 1974 to 1987.

Former cricketers had recently come out in support of Gaekwad as he sought the BCCI’s intervention. Shortly after the BCCI announced a Rs 125 crore bonus prize for India’s T20 World Cup winners last month, former India batter Sandeep Patil urged the BCCI to look into Gaekwad’s request for financial aid.

“The BCCI has walked the talk with this humungous cash reward. It’s unprecedented but not undeserving from the players point of view. A Board can have money power and yet not share the pie with its players. Here, BCCI is putting out the best spread for the people who have made their country so very proud.

“I visited London in May for a function and happened to catch up with my former India and West Zone teammate Aunshuman Gaekwad. He was in hospital fighting blood cancer. Anshu told me that he needs funds for his treatment. Soon, Dilip Vengsarkar and me spoke to BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar. In fact, our calls were made to Ashish Shelar after seeing Anshu at King’s College Hospital in London,” Patil wrote in a column for Mid-Day.

“Ashish Shelar instantly said he would look into ours and other former cricketers’ request for funds. I’m sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu’s life,” Patil added.

The 71-year-old Gaekwad had also served as the head coach of the national side in two stints and also led the Indian team that finished runners-up in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy.

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