Krunal Pandya (elder brother of Hardik Pandya) has left a blank cheque with Patel and as quoted by The Telegraph, Krunal told Patel, “Sir, please fill up whatever is needed, but nothing less than Rs 1 lakh.”
Currently on a ventilator in a Vadodara hospital after sustaining injuries to his lungs and liver in a road accident on December 28, former India cricketer Jacob Martin continues to battle for his life. Martin's wife had written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asking for financial aid and the board has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh. An amount of Rs 3 lakh has been sanctioned by the Baroda Cricket Association too.
Former Baroda Cricket Association secretary Sanjay Patel was among the first one to help Jacob's family. Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has also effected a bank transfer in Martin's favour.
Krunal Pandya (elder brother of Hardik Pandya) has left a blank cheque with Patel and as quoted by The Telegraph, Krunal told Patel, “Sir, please fill up whatever is needed, but nothing less than Rs 1 lakh.”
"Martin's family was in a dilemma, whether to appeal for help or not. Today, the situation is such that they don't have to ask, members from the fraternity are asking about the amount to transfer," Patel said.
Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, who is currently in New Zealand for the upcoming series also assured Patel to help for the cause.
Among others, Zaheerr Khan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel have also come forward for the cause.
"It's overwhelming that Zaheer Khan, Yusuf and Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, Sourav and Ravi, among others, have come forward to extend a helping hand in this time of distress for Martin's family," Patel added.
Martin had made his debut under Ganguly in September 1999 and had played ten ODIs for India since then. At an average of 22.57, he scored 158 runs while playing five games under Ganguly's captaincy and another five under Sachin Tendulkar's leadership.
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