BCCI To Provide Rs 1 Crore For Anshuman Gaekwad’s Cancer Treatment

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has directed the board to release Rs 1 crore immediately to support former India cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer.

According to BCCI Apex Council sources, Shah has also spoken to Gaekwad's family to understand the situation and offer assistance. Gaekwad is currently hospitalised in Vadodara and was previously receiving treatment at King's College Hospital in London.

The WhatsApp group of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad has been active for months, seeking ways to raise funds for Anshuman Gaekwad. Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Sachin Tendulkar had urged BCCI secretary Jay Shah and treasurer Ashish Shelar to assist the former India coach.

"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.

"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.

71-year-old Anshuman Gaekwad played for India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1974 and 1987. His teammates from India's 1983 World Cup-winning team have recently called on the BCCI to help with his cancer treatment.

Efforts by Cricket Legends

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

The collective efforts of these cricket legends highlight their commitment to supporting their fellow player during a challenging time.