India’s World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give financial support to his former teammate Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer. Gaekwad has been undergoing treatment for the past year at King’s College Hospital in London. Kapil revealed that his former teammates such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri and Kirti Azad are doing their best to generate funds for Gaekwad’s treatment.
Kapil said he is confident that the BCCI will look into the mater and provide financial help to the former Indian head coach Gaekwad.
“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 said.
The legendary al-rounder, rued the lack of a system, where former players are assisted in cases like Anshuman’s. Kapil also stated that he is ready to give up his pension if the situation doesn’t improve.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a system. It is great to see this generation of players make good money. It is good to see the support staff members also being paid well. In our time, the Board did not have the money. Today, it has and should take care of the senior players from the past. But where do they send their contributions? If a Trust is formed, they can put their money there. But we don’t have a system. There should be a Trust. I think BCCI can do that. They do look after the players, former and present. We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to,” he added.
Gaekwad’s cricket legacy is one to be noted. He played 40 tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975-87, followed by serving as India’s head coach in two separate stints.
