India have elevated their standard in white-ball cricket, according to West Indies legend Viv Richards, following the team’s commanding triumph in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Richards made the remarks after India secured the title with a comprehensive 96-run victory over New Zealand. The former West Indies great was in London this week in his new role as the official Envoy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in his home country of Antigua and Barbuda in November. Speaking to PTI at the Commonwealth’s Marlborough House headquarters, he reflected on cricket’s widespread popularity across the Commonwealth and his aim to promote peace through his ambassadorial responsibilities.
“India have taken the game, in my opinion, to a different level, more so in the limited overs — the ODIs, the T20s,” Richards was effusive in his praise for the ‘Men In Blue’.
“It is a great present for the fans because of the love and the passion that they show for the game in itself. I just think the result would have been the right result because of that love and passion and the country that it is played in,” he said.
When asked whether cricket would also feature prominently in his duties as CHOGM Envoy, Richards acknowledged that a sense of nostalgia could be on display when leaders from all 56 member nations gather in Antigua and Barbuda later this year.
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“Well, we know that cricket is hugely played in Commonwealth countries. These are things that we are renowned for in the region.” Richards recollected the days of Caribbean dominance during the nascent years of limited overs cricket, when it was a 60-overs-a-side game.
“We won the very first World Cup in 1975 and next one in 1979. So, cricket had a huge part to play where we are as West Indians. And more so, the folks who would have been fans of the West Indies teams of the past certainly will remember some of the great times that we would have had. These are some of the things that they can look forward to,” he shared.
Emphasising cricket’s cultural significance, Richards presented a specially inscribed “Master Blaster” bat to the Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla during a Commonwealth Day reception at St James’ Palace in London on Monday evening.
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“Cricket plays a huge part in our domestic lives in the Caribbean so that’s quite appropriate, in my opinion, that we can present that particular present to His Highness on behalf of the Antiguan and Barbudan people and the government,” he noted.
CHOGM 2026 is set to be held from November 1-4 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, under the theme ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’.
Sharing his perspective on the theme, Richards said he felt honoured to contribute to showcasing the vibrancy of his homeland to visiting heads of government, ministers, and representatives from business, civil society and youth organisations expected in the Caribbean later this year.
“What the Commonwealth does represent is people coming together and the things that can be achieved together.
“I’m going to be biased (about Antigua and Barbuda), but it’s the most beautiful country or island that you can find.
“One of the things that I’ve always been impressed with, because I’m an outgoing guy who spends a lot of time outdoors, and when you can muster 365 beaches on a small island with a population of maybe 100,000 people, that to me is just unreal. We are vibrant people… loving people,” he shared.
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Reflecting on the organisation’s potential role amid ongoing global tensions, Richards expressed optimism that the upcoming summit could help promote harmony.
“We see the world is so messed up at this particular stage, where there’s so many turmoils, there are so many little wars going on here and there.
“And, I’m certain that the Commonwealth in its ways and the things that it would have achieved in the past, will be hoping to bring the world much closer together. And these are the things that I believe we should continue to prolong,” he said.
