Legendary allrounder Kapil Dev has urged the BCCI to offer financial support to former India teammate Anshuman Gaikwad who is currently battling blood cancer. Gaikwad reportedly was in London but has since returned to Baroda where’s he’s undergoing treatment.
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As per a report in Sportstar, a host of former India cricketers including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Madan Lal and Kirti Azad have been collecting funds by contacting friends and corporates to help Gaekwad meet the expenses.
The publication quoted Kapil as saying that he’s quite depressed to see his former teammate in the current state and is hopeful BCCI will come forward to take care of him,
“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 was quoted as saying.
Anshuman, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987. Post retirement, he also served as the coach of Indian team.
“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 said.
Kapil, who led India to their first ever world cup win in 1983, feels that since the BCCI has now started earning good money, they should put in a place to take care of former players.
“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,” Kapil said.
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