1983 Cricket Heroes Unite For Anshuman Gaekwad's Cancer Treatment Fund

The WhatsApp group of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team has been buzzing for months, seeking ways to raise funds for their teammate Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer and requires financial assistance.

Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Sachin Tendulkar have already approached BCCI secretary Jay Shah and treasurer Ashish Shelar, urging them to support the former India coach. While awaiting a response from the BCCI, the 1983 World Cup players have started fundraising efforts to cover Gaekwad's medical expenses. He is currently admitted to a Vadodara hospital after returning from King's College Hospital in London.

All members of the 1983 squad have pledged to donate their three-month BCCI pension towards Gaekwad's treatment. Each player receives over ₹75,000 monthly, and the total amount of around ₹50 lakh will be given to his family.

Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad are reaching out to corporate leaders and friends to garner support for 71-year-old Gaekwad. He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987.

"I don't want the BCCI to do anything. They have done enough for the players and are still doing so. I would want everyone to come forward and help Gaekwad," Kapil Dev told The Telegraph on Saturday.

BCCI's Medical Benevolent Fund

The BCCI has a medical benevolent fund for retired first-class players that allows reimbursement up to Rs 5 lakh. Recently, they announced prize money of Rs 125 crore for Rohit Sharma's team after winning the T20 World Cup 2024.

Syed Kirmani expressed his distress over Gaekwad's condition: "We are in touch with his family every day. It gives me immense pain to see him in this condition..." he told The Telegraph.

Criticism of BCCI's Priorities

Kirti Azad criticised the BCCI for not prioritising Gaekwad's critical case: "Aunshu's case should have woken up the BCCI. Sadly the officials haven't come forward to take it up on a priority basis," said Azad.

"Aunshu was a tiger who took blows on his chest and face when facing up to hostile bowling. The BCCI has been spending crores on officials' travel and stay. It should have taken steps for the wellbeing of past players," added Azad.

The collective effort by Gaekwad’s teammates highlights their solidarity during tough times. Their actions underscore the importance of supporting former players who contributed significantly to Indian cricket.