Legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev said that he is pained and depressed by the suffering of his former teammate Anshuman Gaekwad, who is undergoing treatment for blood cancer in Baroda, Gujarat. Kapil also hoped that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take care of former players.
“It is 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.
The Haryana Hurricane, who always wanted veteran cricketers to be taken care of by the Board, put forward the same demand. With the influx of money at the board, the former World Cup winner hoped that the board could help these former cricketers.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a system,” he said, before adding, “In our time, the Board did not have the money. Today, it has and should take care of the senior players from the past.”
Gaekwad, who played for India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs, coached the national team at one point. He was getting treated in London before the financial burden forced him to return back home.
Former cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Madan Lal, Kirti Azad and Kapil have come forward to raise funds for the treatment of Gaekwad.
“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 urged the cricket fans to come forward and help Gaekwad.
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