'I am in pain': Kapil Dev Urges BCCI To Help Former Teammate Who Is Battling Blood Cancer

Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev has called on the BCCI to provide financial assistance to his former India teammate Anshuman Gaikwad, who is currently fighting blood cancer. Gaikwad, who was reportedly in London, has now returned to Baroda for treatment.

According to a report in Sportstar, several former India cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Madan Lal, and Kirti Azad, have been raising funds by reaching out to friends and corporates to help Gaekwad with his medical expenses.

The publication quoted Kapil Dev expressing his deep sadness over his former teammate's condition and his hope that the BCCI will step in to provide 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.”

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.

"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… We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to." Kapil Dev added