BCCI needs a bigger heart to save ex-cricketer Jacob Martin
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Wake up BCCI as it is the board's job that is going on as an extended help from former cricketers, who possibly have a better understanding of the players' condition in the country.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a net worth of $295 Million as of 2016. Every year, they spend crores of rupees in litigation, several uncalculated amounts are disbursed to promote Indian Premier League (IPL) and other cricket tournaments and let's not forget the office-bearers who are entitled to on trips overseas and for work within the country.
However, little is being done to take care of former players struggling to meet their daily needs.
For a moment, forget the former big shots, let's visualise about those who don’t reach the highest level and end up being domestic cricketers. Some don't have enough cash to even pay the hospital bills in case of an emergency.
Isn't the thought scary?
Yes, it is. And the need to call attention to it became significant after former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin had to be put on a ventilator after suffering extensive damage to his liver and lungs and the family members were forced to beg to the Board to come to their rescue.
The board did but with only a paltry amount of Rs 5 lakh.
Imagine, Rs 5 lakh is the amount they could all offer from the Benevolent Fund to a person who has played wearing the blue jersey, aiming to bring laurels to his country.
Now, its easy to presume the life of the former domestic cricketers, who couldn't make it this big.
Supreme Court-appointed CoA chief, Vinod Rai, has a habit of issuing directives on a range of issues but preferred to stay tight-lipped. Couldn't he issue a directive to the concerned professional appointees of the Board to release a special amount for the 46-year-old Martin? But silence says it all.
And therefore to all unsung heroes, we are 'unreservedly' sorry because our board members are busy fighting over the reins of the board with the Supreme Court-appointed committee rather than strategising a way to improve the players' condition in India.
As per reports, the bill has crossed over Rs 11 lakh. Martin is still on ventilator support and the next hours are crucial.
Sourav Ganguly, who was the captain when Martin made his debut, went beyond mere words and effected a bank transfer in Martin’s favour.
He also spoke to Khayati, wife of the ailing Jacob Martin, and assured complete support.
Cricketer Krunal Pandya, elder brother of Hardik Pandya, left a blank cheque with Sanjay Patel, former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Baroda Cricket Association, to help his ailing senior.
Former pacer Zaheer Khan made another call to Patel, repeating his wish to assist in whatever manner he can, while Ashish Nehra too has joined the drive to help Martin quickly get back on his feet.
Well, wake up BCCI as it is the board's job that is going on as an extended help from former cricketers, who possibly have a better understanding of the players' condition in the country.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)