Recently during the ongoing final at Lahore of the Pakistan Cricket League commentator Wasim Raja brought out a cake to celebrate the 65th birthday of Vivian Richards. He is arguably the most explosive batsman in the history of cricket after Don Bradman. Though his test batting average of just 50 doesn't show it, Richards was a match winner and single handed won many a match for The West Indies.
65th birthday
Richards was in Lahore as a special invitee of the Pakistan cricket board. He was pleasantly surprised when a cake was cut on his 65th birthday.
Richards has been a frequent visitor to the Indian sub-continent with the West Indian team. His exploits on the field in the sub-continent are legendary. In addition, Indian AD filmmakers also saw great potential in exploiting his magnetic personality and body for advertisements.One AD film in which Richards dons the gloves of a boxer and fights bare-chested stands out. Richards hit a number of big test hundreds but he rose to fame only after the Delhi test in 1974 when he hit 193 not out. He is also remembered for a mighty 291 at the Oval against England.
Richards and Neena
During his stints in Mumbai, he came into contact with Bollywood starlet Neena Gupta. Unfortunately, Neena's career was going nowhere and she fell for Richards.
Richards and Neena started a passionate relationship. Though Richards was already married back home in the West indies he impregnated Neena. They had a love child and the press came to know about it only after his daughter was born. They guessed she was Richard's daughter from the name "Masaba" meaning African princess. Neena did not announce anything.
Richards never divorced his wife for Neena. His wife accepted the fact that Richards has a love child. The girl is now married and a dress designer in Mumbai.
Last word
Vivian Richards is a great ambassador for cricket in all its forms and a well-known expert commentator in the box. His views are greatly respected. He has been knighted by the queen for his services to world cricket.
