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 expected the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take care of former players. 

Speaking to Sportstar, the former skipper said, “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.”

The Haryana Hurricane, who always wanted veteran cricketers to be taken care of by the Board, put forward the same demand again. Kapil reasoned that now the BCCI has a lot of money and could dispense some for those who helped it grow in the first place. 

“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 and also coached the national team at one point, was getting treated in London, before financial burden forced his 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. 

Urging cricket fans to come forward and donate for Gaekwad, the 65-year-old said, “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.”

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