Jacob Martin the former India cricketer who is currently on life support after sustaining injuries to his lungs and liver in a road accident on December 28, he continues to battle for his life in a Vadodara hospital.
Earlier his wife had written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking help and the board has sanctioned Rs 5 lakh. The Baroda Cricket Association also sanctioned an amount of Rs 3 lakh.
Former Baroda Cricket Association secretary Sanjay Patel was among the first one to help Jacob’s family. Sourav Ganguly who is the Former India skipper has also come forward to help and transferred an amount in Martin’s favour.
According to the report published in the Telegraph, the Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya who is the elder brother of Hardik Pandya has left a blank cheque with Patel with a note saying “Sir, please fill up whatever is needed, but nothing less than Rs 1 lakh.”
Sanjay Patel said that “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.”
He further added that “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.”
Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel have also come forward to help Martin’s family. Team India head coach Ravi Shastri, who is currently in New Zealand for the upcoming series has also assured help.
Martin who made his debut under Ganguly in September 1999 played ten ODIs for Team India. With 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.