As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a substantial Rs. 125 crore reward for the Indian team following their 2024 T20 World Cup victory, there have been calls to support the treatment of former Indian cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad. Gaekwad, who led India during two periods in the late 1990s, is currently battling blood cancer at King’s College Hospital in London at the age of 71. Sandeep Patil, former BCCI chairman of selectors and Gaekwad’s teammate, has been the most vocal in urging the BCCI to assist.
“Anshuman Gaekwad told me that he has received financial support from the cricket board, but more financial support is needed,” wrote Sandeep Patil in his Mid-Day column.
Patil mentioned that he had discussed the matter with BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar, who assured assistance.
“In this regard, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar and I had a conversation with Cricket Board Treasurer Ashish Shelar. We called Ashish Shelar from the car after seeing Anshuman Gaekwad in the hospital,” Patil wrote.
“Ashish Shelar instantly said he would look into ours and other former cricketers’ requests for funds. I’m sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu’s life. Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board, but Anshu’s case must be taken up on priority and treated as paramount,” Patil added.
Gaekwad, who played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and 1987, served as India’s head coach from 1997 to 1999 and again after the match-fixing scandal. During his second tenure, India finished runners-up to New Zealand in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, later known as the Champions Trophy.
Patil also highlighted in his column that Sachin Tendulkar was in top form during Gaekwad’s tenure as head coach.