BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has instructed for release of Rs 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer. Shah also spoke to Gaekwad's family and took stock of the situation and provided assistance.

It was legendary former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev who passionately appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend assistance to his former teammate Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer.

Expressing deep sadness at seeing his former playing companion in such a difficult condition, Dev emphasized the urgent need for financial support from the BCCI for Gaekwad's treatment. Gaekwad, 71 years old, has been undergoing treatment at London's King's College Hospital for the past year, and recently returned to Baroda to continue his medical care.

Dev, known for his World Cup-winning captaincy, conveyed his heartfelt concern, stating, 'It's distressing and heartbreaking. Anshu and I have shared the field together, and witnessing him suffer like this pains me deeply. I trust that the Board will step forward to assist him. This is a call to action from the heart; we're not demanding, but any help extended to Anshu would mean the world.