Kapil is confident that the board will step up and be a pillar of strength for former India coach in his time of need.
The iconic Kapil Dev is deeply saddened to see his former India teammate Anshuman Gaekwad fighting cancer alone. He has urgently appealed to the BCCI to provide financial assistance to him. Kapil, who played alongside Gaekwad, disclosed that he, along with other Indian cricket legends like Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, are tirelessly working to raise funds for the former India coach. They are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to support Gaekwad during this challenging time. Kapil is confident that the board will step up and be a pillar of strength for Gaekwad in his time of need.
"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," Kapil told Sportstar.
"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."
The shocking news of Gaekwad's battle with cancer was recently disclosed by his former teammate Sandip Patil in a column for The Mid-Day. Gaekwad has been bravely fighting this disease for over a year, seeking treatment in London. Patil also revealed that Gaekwad reached out for financial assistance, prompting former India all-rounder Vengsarkar to contact BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, who has pledged to address their needs.
It is disheartening to see many Indian cricket legends facing financial difficulties during times of crisis. Kapil expressed frustration at the lack of a support system for former players who have dedicated their lives to the game. In the past, cricket was not as financially lucrative as it is today, making it imperative for the BCCI to establish a program that provides assistance to those who have contributed to the sport.
"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," stated Kapil.
"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."
Gaekwad had the honor of representing India in 40 Tests over a span of 12 years. Following his illustrious playing career, he transitioned into coaching and took the helm of the Indian cricket team in the late 1990s. Gaekwad led the team to victory in the prestigious Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah and the historic Delhi Test against Pakistan, where Anil Kumble achieved the remarkable feat of taking all 10 wickets in a single innings.
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 "Kapil Dev 'in pain', asks for financial assistance from BCCI for this former India great")
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