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One of India’s greatest match-winners of all-time, Kapil Dev has asked the BCCI to set aside a corpus fund for the welfare of cricketers in need of aid. Health and financial difficulties spare not many, and it is to plug this need of ailing cricketers that Dev has come up with the plea to the Indian cricket board.
Former colleague Anshuman Gaekwad’s plight drove home the fact, and Dev, always at the forefront of battling for his mates, jumped in with the suggestion to provide some much needed financial relief for former domestic and international cricketers. Dev’s sense of responsibility and compassion towards the cricketing community further shines a glow on a skipper who is still willing to pick up the cudgels for ailing and struggling cricketers, most of whom still revere him as the greatest captain, long after he quit the game.
Dev’s recommendation to the BCCI to create a welfare fund with Rs.150 crore is significant though. His face was beaming with confidence about the success of the project as he made certain observations. His assurance and optimism highlighted the potential positive impact such a fund could have on the lives of former cricketers in need. “The board has done an excellent job to offer pension to retired cricketers. This sort of scheme will only boost the system further,” Kapil said during an exclusive chat with CricBlogger.
As a matter of fact, Kapil’s idea, if implemented by the BCCI, is going to change the way people perceive Indian cricket. By establishing such a fund, he is not only asking about providing a safety net for former cricketers but also highlighting the importance of long-term support and care for athletes. This approach underlines the need for a more holistic view of sports, where the well-being of players is prioritised even after their active career ends.
Kapil Dev’s vision is set to foster a more compassionate and sustainable cricketing ecosystem. “This initiative not only aims to provide financial support but also demonstrates a heartfelt commitment to the well-being of the cricketing community,” Kapil said.
“All those who are pensioners should be eligible for this welfare fund scheme. The board could also form a three to five member committee with female representation for catering to, and approving the release of funds to those who need it the most,” Kapil said.
Captain of the 1983 World Cup winning team, Dev also opined the members of the proposed committee could meet once a year and could keep getting updates through online meetings otherwise. “Having regular meetings involves lots of expenditure. So the best way is to save money. After all, money saved is money earned,” he said.
Even those corporate or individual business houses who are in favour of helping players could also contribute to this fund. This fund can also be managed by a Trust under the Income Tax Act. With the kind of money available with the BCCI, starting a welfare fund isn’t a tough task.
This sort of initiative isn’t new to Dev, who has often stood tall when the cricket community needed revolutionary ideas to support the livelihoods of thousands of cricketers. Many have sought his help, and he has never hesitated to create opportunities. Even the now defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL) was an initiative aimed at offering livelihoods to several cricketers who didn’t have enough. His commitment to the well-being of cricketers has consistently driven him to champion such causes, making a significant impact on the cricketing fraternity. “Thankfully, those who are a part of the 1983 World Cup winning team are in good financial condition but outside those if someone needs help, we have to stand for them” Kapil elucidated.
It is also revealed Gaekwad didn’t accept donations from the 1983 World Cup winning batch who had decided to donate three to five months of their pensions to him. “He doesn’t want to take it from the cricketers. One of my friends donated Rs 25 lakh and I am at a loss of words hearing all this,” a visibly emotional Dev added. Remembering the warmth of support the BCCI extended to the late Bishan Singh Bedi, Dev remains hopeful that the present BCCI set-up would see merit in this initiative of caring for its own.
He also praised the BCCI secretary for being prompt in disbursing funds for Gaekwad and congratulated him for all the good work he is doing as a young administrator. “Before Jay Shah goes to ICC, it would be nice to see a welfare fund being created by him,” Kapil said while expressing hope for a better tomorrow. A captain who led from the front inspiring his team to do the impossible, Kapil Dev Nikhanj, decades after walking into his golden retirement, is still leading from the front, as he aspires to lead Indian cricket to put its best foot forward in a cause that transcends all cricketing achievements. As an old advert went years ago, it still holds true – Kapil da jawaab nahin.
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BCCI to Start Welfare Fund, Kapil Dev
