Many cricketers have come forward to help former cricketer Jacob Martin, who is on ventilator after facing a severe accident last month. Martin, who also played for Baroda team in Ranji along with some international matches, had a road accident on December 28 and has been on the ventilator since. The 46-year-old cricketer suffered injuries to his liver and lungs.
Sourav Ganguly has assured Martin’s family of help and he also transferred funds to them. “I have conveyed to Mrs Martin that she shouldn’t hesitate to contact me if further assistance is required,” Ganguly was quoted by The Telegraph. Cricketer Krunal Pandya handed a blank check in Martin’s favour and requested them to fill any amount they need. “Sir, please fill up whatever is needed, but nothing less than Rs 1 lakh,” Krunal told former BCCI and BCA secretary Sanjay Patel, as quoted by The Telegraph.
Also read: As Jacob Martin battles for life, Sourav Ganguly comes forward to help former teammate
Patel was first to offer help to the cricketer and took efforts to raise funds for him. Other than Ganguly, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel have also come forward to help Martin’s family, who sought financial assistance from BCCI earlier. Martin’s wife had appealed to BCCI for financial support and the latter issued Rs 5 lakh for Martin’s treatment. Baroda Cricket Association also granted Rs 3 lakh.
Martin played 10 international matches for India, making his debut in September 1999 under skipper Sourav Ganguly. Under Martin’s captainship, Baroda lifted the Ranji Trophy title in 2001. Martin played a total of 138 first-class matches scoring 9192 runs.