In a noble gesture, the BCCI on Sunday decided to release Rs 1 crore for the treatment of former India coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer at a medical facility in London. BCCI’s decision has come following emotional appeals for support from former captain Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil Patil, who had enjoined the cricket board to help Gaikwad.

“ Jay Shah has instructed BCCI to release Rs 1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to India’s veteran cricketer Gaekwad, who is battling cancer,” BCCI apex council said in a statement. Gaekwad, son of former India captain DK Gaekwad, is undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King’s College Hospital in London.