Former India Cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away After Blood Cancer Battle

Anshuman Gaekwad, a former India cricketer and coach, passed away at 71 after battling blood cancer for a long time. He played for India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1974 and 1987.

Earlier this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah directed the board to release Rs 1 crore to assist Anshuman Gaekwad financially. "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 said in a statement.

The deteriorating health condition of Gaekwad was brought into notice by his former teammate Sandeep Patil, who visited him while he was admitted in a London hospital. He requested the BCCI to come forward and help Anshuman Gaekwad.

"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," he wrote further.

Anshuman Gaekwad sir was a thorough gentleman who always gave a helping hand to the youngsters. It’s sad to learn that he has succumbed to cancer after fighting valiantly. Condolences to his bereaved family. Rest in peace, sir. Indian cricket will never forget you ???????? pic.twitter.com/Mr38v7Y3qS

Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) July 31, 2024

The WhatsApp group of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad was also abuzz from the last few months to find ways to generate funds for Anshuman Gaekwad. The likes of Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Sachin Tendulkar had requested BCCI secretary Jay Shah and treasurer Ashish Shelar to step forward and help the former India coach.

As per The Telegraph, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri and Kirti Azad have been trying to generate support from corporate honchos and friends.

"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," Sandeep Patil wrote in a column for Mid-Day shortly after the BCCI announced a cash prize of Rs 125 crore for Rohit Sharma-led Indian contingent which won the T20 World Cup 2024.