Sometimes in a cricketer’s journey, the most meaningful moments arrive far away from home. For Unmukt Chand, that moment came in Florida where he found himself standing beside a legend he grew up idolising — Sir Vivian Richards. Invited as a special guest to the Mayor’s New World T20 tournament, Unmukt Chand wasn’t just there to watch a match, he was about to experience something far more personal.
Sir Vivian Richards, serving as the league ambassador for the tournament featuring four USA-based teams, was present at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill. When Unmukt Chand approached him with his young son Krishay, the iconic West Indian cricketer greeted them with warmth. Richards even lifted the little one into his arms, giving him a blessing that Unmukt Chand described as unforgettable.
During their conversation, Unmukt Chand received a message that struck him deeply. Sir Vivian Richards reminded him that cricket remains the same no matter where one plays, the intention and the heart behind it should never change. Unmukt Chand later shared this moment online, expressing how those words would stay with him forever. For a cricketer who left Indian cricket earlier than expected and now plays in the USA’s Major League Cricket, the advice felt both grounding and inspiring.
Here is what Unmukt Chand tweeted, “He told me, ‘Cricket is cricket, whichever country or franchise you play for-play it with the same intention & heart.’ That’ll stay with me forever. The best part- little Krishay got his blessings too, The GOAT himself held him in his arms , Spl to be in the presence of greatness”.
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Unmukt Chand’s own story has been filled with both promise and pain. After leading India to the U19 World Cup title in 2012 with a memorable century in the final, he was considered one of the brightest young talents in the country. But the pressure of domestic cricket and the realities of selection meant his journey didn’t unfold as many had hoped. By age 28, he stepped away from Indian cricket and began a new chapter in America, where he now represents the Los Angeles Knight Riders.
His struggles and untold experiences were recently explored in the documentary Unbroken: The Unmukt Chand Story, released in September. The film offers his perspective on a career that never fully blossomed but continues to find new meaning across the world.
For Unmukt Chand, meeting Sir Vivian Richards was not just a fan moment, it felt like reassurance. A reminder that dreams can take new shapes and the love for the game can be rediscovered in unexpected places.
