Former Indian cricketer and Baroda captain Jacob Martin has been on ventilator since 28 December after he met with an accident, damaging his liver and lungs. The 46-year-old is now in desperate need of financial aid to meet his medical expenses with bills amounting to Rs 70,000 per day.
According to The Telegraph, Martin’s wife had sought help from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the board had immediately sanctioned Rs 5 lakh for his treatment.
On hearing about the medical condition of his former teammate, Sourav Ganguly, under whom Martin made his debut, has come forward to assist Martin and his family with the medical expenses.
“Martin and I have been teammates and I remember him as a quiet, introvert-type of person. While praying for Martin’s speedy recovery, I’d like his family to know that they don’t stand alone.”Sourav Ganguly
Apart from Ganguly, Sanjay Patel, a former BCCI and Baroda Cricket Association official, has also decided to lend a helping hand to Martin.
“Once I came to know about the accident, I tried to help Jacob’s family in every possible way. I have spoken to few well-wishers — including the Maharaja of Baroda Samarjitsinh Gaekwad who donated Rs 1 lakh — and accumulated around Rs 5 lakh for his treatment.”Sanjay Patel, Former BCCI & Baroda Cricket Association official
According to Patel, the hospital had even stopped treatment and providing medicine after the bills crossed Rs 11 lakh at one point.
“The BCCI deposited the amount directly and the treatment hasn’t been affected thereafter,” he added.
Meanwhile, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri, who is in New Zealand with the team, has also assured whatever assistance is required, along with former and current Baroda cricketers - Zaheer Khan, Yusuf and Irfan Pathan, and Munaf Patel.
“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.”Sanjay Patel, Former BCCI & Baroda Cricket Association official
“The BCA has handed over Rs 2.70 lakh but more is expected of them… After all, it was under his captaincy that Baroda won the Ranji Trophy,” Patel added.
Martin led Baroda to their first Ranji Trophy success in 43 years when the side won the tournament in 2000-01 season. Martin amassed over 9,000 First-Class runs at a very good average of 46.65. In international cricket, Martin played 10 ODIs over a period of 25 months, managing only 158 runs.
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