Mumbai cricket stalwarts Surekha Bhandare, Sandhya Relekar, Aparna Kambli felicitated

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has lauded the Cricketers’ Foundation’s initiative to help former women cricketers of Mumbai. The foundation, which is a public charitable trust set up to support retired cricketers, coaches, umpires, scorers and groundsmen in Mumbai cricket, on November 10 has honour Surekha Bhandare, Sandhya Relekar and Aparna Kambli.



While Bhandare has played 127 first-class matches, Relekar, represented her state in 139 first-class games. Kambli played 79 first-class contests. All three received contributions between Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.



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“The three cricketers, Sandhya Relekar, Surekha Bhandare and Aparna Kambli have been among those who paved the way for today’s outstanding women cricketers and it’s most heartening to see the Foundation recognising their efforts. I would like to congratulate them and the Trustees for their forward-thinking,” said Gavaskar about the initiative.



“I’m grateful to Cricketers’ Foundation for acknowledging my contribution to cricket,” said Relekar. “Cricketers’ Foundation should be complimented for acknowledging the efforts of old women cricketers of Mumbai,” said Bhandare. Kambli added: “This is the first time someone thought of players like us, who knocked at the doors but unfortunately couldn’t make it to the India squad.” The body has so far helped over 40 unsung heroes of Mumbai cricket.