The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally woken up to repeated calls seeking financial assistance for former opener and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad and decided to release ₹1 crore for his treatment.

Gaekwad has been battling blood cancer for the past few months and is currently admitted at a Vadodara hospital.

The Telegraph had reported on Sunday that his former teammates, including India’s first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev and the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, were trying to generate funds from individuals and corporates to meet his medical expenses.

All the members of the 1983 squad had also decided to donate their three-months’ BCCI pension towards Gaekwad’s treatment.

“After approval from the apex council, secretary Jay Shah has instructed the BCCI to release ₹1 crore with immediate effect to provide financial assistance to Mr Gaekwad,” a BCCI statement said.

Shah has also spoken to Gaekwad’s family to take stock of the situation and extend support.

“The Board stands by Gaekwad’s family in this hour of crisis and will do whatever is essential for Mr Gaekwad’s quick recovery,” Shah said. “The BCCI will continue to monitor Mr Gaekwad’s progress and is confident that he will come out of this phase strongly.”

Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs in an international career spanning more than a decade.

Sandeep Patil and Dilip Vengsarkar had earlier spoken to BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar and requested for help after visiting Gaekwad at King’s College Hospital in London in May. He returned home last month and continued the treatment in Vadodara.