"It's a sad and very depressing" - Kapil Dev urges BCCI to help ex-India batsman suffering from blood cancer

Legendary Kapil Dev has urged the BCCI to lend financial support to former teammate Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer.

The 71-year-old has been undergoing treatment for the past year at King's College Hospital in London. Kapil Dev has urged the board to stand for the cricketer who took numerous blows on his body for the team during his playing career.

The former India skipper said that the situation is 'sad and very depressing' and is confident of BCCI helping his ailing former teammate. The World Cup-winning captain also urged the cricket fans to pray for Gaekwad's recovery.

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"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," Kapil Dev told Sportstar.

Unfortunately, we don't have a system: Kapil Dev

Speaking further, Kapil Dev also rued the absence of any system that can provide assistance to former players in case of a medical emergency. The India great stated that while BCCI struggled financially when he was playing, the situation has improved now and that the board should take care of the former players.

He also called for the formation of a trust through which former players can seek financial assistance in the case of an emergency. Kapil Dev also said that he is ready to contribute to the cause by giving up his pension.

"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," said Kapil Dev.

"But where do they send their contributions? If a Trust is formed, they can put their money there. But we don't have a system. There should be a Trust. I think BCCI can do that. They do look after the players, former and present. We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to," he added.

Gaekwad plied his trade for Team India as a player between 1975 and 1987. He played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, scoring more than 2000 runs with the help of 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries. He also plied his trade as a selector and the head coach of the Indian team.