BCCI felicitates breast cancer survivors at Eden Gardens

Kolkata: In a unique move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) felicitated 20 breast cancer survivors during the match break.

They were felicitated by former Indian skipper and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and Abhishek Dalmiya, secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Friday evening. Legends of Indian cricket like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman and the first Bangladesh team which played Test against India, were present during the occasion.

Global Cancer Trust has helped the cancer survivors witness the new milestone in the game of cricket, with the first ever pink ball day/night Test Match at Eden Gardens.

Speaking on this special occasion, Dr Vikash K Agarwal, eminent Oncologist and chairman of Global Cancer Trust, commented: "It was a unique experience for the breast cancer survivors who were felicitated by the BCCI president in presence of so many cricketing legends, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This lifetime experience will help them fight the disease in a much better way."

The colour pink that is synonymous with breast cancer, has also emerged as the central theme of the much-awaited match at the iconic stadium, with stands and corridors getting hues of pink and cricket graffiti.

Global Cancer Trust also handed over 30,000 pink caps to all the spectators who were present on the first day of the historic Test match at Eden gardens. The survivors who have fought the grave ailment successfully, shared their stories and emotional experiences with those present.

Global Cancer Trust has been working for the last 10 years with cancer patients. They have been conducting awareness seminars and diagnostic camps, spreading information about cancer to people from all walks of life.

They will also organise a limited over cricket match for the breast cancer survivors on the third day of the Test match.