Published: Jan 21, 2019, 04:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 21, 2019, 04:21 PM (IST)
In a touching gesture, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has volunteered to help Jacob Martin – the former Baroda cricketer – who has been in serious condition in hospital since December 28.
Martin’s wife Khyati Martin recently wrote a letter to the BCCI to seek financial help for her husband who is currently on the ventilator after sustaining injuries to his lungs and liver in a freak road accident. His daily expenses amount to Rs 70,000.
The BCCI immediately credited Rs 5 lakh, while Martin’s state association – Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) – sanctioned Rs 2.7 lakh. (ALSO READ: In critical condition, Baroda cricketer Jacob Martin’s wife seeks financial help from BCCI)
“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,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by The Telegraph on Monday.
Former BCCI and BCA secretary Sanjay Patel was among the first one to help Jacob’s family. He also received assurance of help from Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, while former India cricketers Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel have volunteered to help Martin’s family.
“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 said. (ALSO READ: Former India cricketer Jacob Martin suffers severe accident, undergoing treatment in hospital)
Martin, who played 10 ODIs, made his debut for India in September 1999 when Ganguly was leading the side. The 46-year-old scored 158 runs at 22.57 while playing five games under Ganguly’s leadership and another five under Sachin Tendulkar’s leadership.
Martin, who coached Baroda in the 2016-17 season, has two small daughters.
