BCCI urged to fund former cricketer’s treatment following Rs. 125 crore reward for India

PTC News Desk: Many have called for funding for the medical care of injured former Indian player and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad, following the announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of a massive Rs 125 crore incentive for the winning Indian team following their 2024 T20 World Cup victory.

At the age of 71, Gaekwad, who coached India for two terms in the late 1990s, is battling blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London. Sandeep Patil, a former head of selection for the BCCI who played with Gaekwad, has been the most vocal in advocating for the BCCI to intervene.

In his Mid-Day column, Sandeep Patil stated, “Anshuman Gaekwad told me that he has received financial support from the cricket board, but more financial support is needed.”

Patil disclosed that assurances have been given and discussions about the matter have already taken place with BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar.

“In this context, I spoke with Ashish Shelar, the treasurer of the Cricket Board, along with former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar. After seeing Anshuman Gaekwad at the hospital, we contacted Ashish Shelar from the car,” wrote Patil.

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“Ashish Shelar promised right away to investigate our and other former players’ demands for financial assistance. Without intending to seem gloomy, I’m confident he will help with this and preserve Anshu’s life. The Board ought to support any cricket player, regardless of nation, but Anshu’s matter needs to be given top attention and handled with the utmost urgency, said Patil.

From 1974 to 1987, Gaekwad represented India in 40 Test matches and 15 One-Day Internationals. Notably, he served as India’s head coach for the first time from 1997 to 1999 before taking over following the infamous match-fixing controversy. India lost the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (later known as the Champions Trophy) to New Zealand, with India placing second.

In his column, Patil also mentioned how Gaekwad’s coaching stint had seen Sachin Tendulkar at the peak of his abilities.

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