Sandeep Patil requests BCCI to finance Anshuman Gaekwad's medical expenses

Former India cricketer Sandeep Patil has called upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide financial assistance to Anshuman Gaekwad, a former Test cricketer and national coach, who is currently battling blood cancer. This revelation has shed light on the urgent need for support within the cricketing community.

Gaekwad, a respected figure in Indian cricket, has been silently fighting blood cancer for the past year. Currently undergoing treatment in London, Gaekwad's condition and need for financial support have remained largely unknown to the public.

Patil's recent column in Mid-Day has brought this situation to the forefront, prompting discussions about the responsibility of cricket boards towards their former players. During a visit to London, Patil met Gaekwad at King's College Hospital, where the gravity of the situation became apparent. 

“Anshu told me that he needs funds for his treatment. Soon, Dilip Vengsarkar and I spoke to BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar. In fact, our calls were made to Ashish Shelar after seeing Anshu at King's College Hospital in London," Patil wrote in his column.

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Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board: Sandeep Patil

Gaekwad's cricketing journey is noteworthy, spanning 40 Test matches and one World Cup appearance. His batting abilities are evident in his 1,959 runs at an average of 32.08, including a highest score of 201. 

Post-retirement, Gaekwad transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2000 to 2001 and leading the Kenyan cricket team during the 1999 World Cup.

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“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 on priority and treated as paramount," Patil concluded.