The former gutsy Indian batter has been battling blood cancer for over a year and is currently under treatment in a London hospital
Following an appeal by former Indian World Cup winning cricketers Kapila Dev and Sandeep Patil, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to immediately release Rs 1 crore in financial aid for the treatment of former gutsy Indian opener, selector and coach Ashuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer in a hospital in London.
“Mr Jay Shah (Secretary) has instructed the BCCI to release INR 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Mr Ashuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” the BCCI apex council said in a statement.
“Shah has also spoken to Mr Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support,” the statement continued. “The board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and 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.”
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Gaekwad was a gutsy cricketer, also known for his extraordinary batting patience. According to reports his highest score of 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar was a monumental effort that lasted 671 minutes. It was then the slowest double century in first-class cricket.
He featured in 40 Test matches and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and scored more than 2200 runs. He also had a near-death experience during the pre-helmet era. While playing against the ferocious pace attack of West Indies in Jamaica in 1975/76, one of Michael Holding’s fiery short balls hit Gaekwad on the ear when he was on 81. He was hospitalised and remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 48 hours. He also had to undergo two surgeries and continued to suffer from hearing issues later in life.
Anshuman’s father DK Gaekwad captained the Indian team on its tour to England in 1959.
Earlier, India’s World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev had asked the BCCI for financial assistance for his teammate Anshuman Gaekwad. He said that he and other Indian World Cup winning members of the team, including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri and Kirti Azad are looking to generate funds for their teammate.
The former India all-rounder was deeply saddened by the condition of Anshuman Gaekwad and believed that the board would step in to become his support.
“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 reportedly told Sportstar.
Sandip Patil broke the news of Gaekwad battling with blood cancer earlier this year. The former India player has been fighting cancer for over a year, remaining in and out of hospitals.
