Viv Richards, the former West Indian cricketer, was involved in a controversy during India’s tour of the West Indies in 1983. In the final Test match of the series, played in Antigua, Richards was accused of deliberately obstructing the field when he picked up the ball and handed it back to Indian bowler Madan Lal, instead of throwing it to the wicketkeeper, as is the norm. The incident occurred when India was trying to save the Test match on the fifth day.
The Indian team and captain Kapil Dev believed that Richards’ actions were deliberate and meant to prevent India from taking quick runs. Richards, on the other hand, claimed that he had merely picked up the ball and handed it back to Madan Lal as a sign of respect for the bowler.
The incident caused a lot of controversy and tension between the two teams, with the Indian players and media accusing Richards of unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the match referee ruled in Richards’ favor, stating that there was no evidence to suggest that he had deliberately obstructed the field.
Despite the controversy, Richards continued to be a highly respected and admired figure in the world of cricket, both for his outstanding skills as a player and for his charisma and personality off the field. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and is known for his aggressive and dominating style of play.
The former West Indian cricketer, was also involved in a personal controversy with Indian actress Neena Gupta in the 1980s. The two met in the late 1970s when Gupta was working as a journalist and interviewed Richards during a tour of the West Indies. They subsequently began a relationship and had a child together, Masaba Gupta, who was born in 1989.
At the time, Richards was married to his first wife, but the marriage had already broken down. However, the fact that he had a child with another woman caused a scandal, particularly in conservative Indian society. Gupta faced a lot of criticism and was shunned by many in the Indian film industry.
Despite the controversy, Richards and Gupta remained together for some time, but eventually separated. Gupta later went on to marry a chartered accountant, while Richards married his second wife, Miriam, in 1996.
In recent years, Gupta has spoken publicly about her relationship with Richards and the challenges she faced as a single mother in India. She has also written a book, titled “Sach Kahun Toh”, in which she discusses her life and career, including her relationship with Richards. Meanwhile, Richards remains a highly respected figure in the world of cricket, admired for his skills as a player and his contributions to the sport.
