RICHIE RICHARDSON is about to start a new innings.
The former West Indies captain was yesterday appointed as the new team manager.
An enterprising batsman during his heyday in which he appeared in 86 Tests and 224 One-Day Internationals, Richardson, who turned 49 on Wednesday, will begin duties immediately in preparation for the West Indies tour to Sri Lanka for three One-Day Internationals to be followed by the World Cup campaign.
Since his retirement in 1996, Richardson has been a successful businessman engaged in sport tourism ventures in his native Antigua and Barbuda and Britain.
“I feel tremendously honoured to be once again asked to serve West Indies cricket.
I believe that it is critical for me to lend support to the efforts to re-develop the sport in the region,” he said.
“As a former player and captain I gave my all for West Indies cricket on the field. We are at the cusp of a new era and it is now time for me to contribute off the field and aid in the building and resurgence of West Indies cricket.”
Richardson, who scored 5 949 runs (ave. 44.39) in Tests and 6 248 runs (ave. 33.41) in ODIs, fills the full-time post that was left vacant since Trinidadian Omar Khan parted company with the WICB last year.
Khan, who was appointed manager in 2008, was subsequently assigned to duties with the Under-19 and ‘A’ teams.
While the position was waiting to be filled, WICB director Joel Garner and fellow former Test player Lance Gibbs served as interim manager.
WICB chief executive officer Dr Ernest Hilaire welcomed Richardson to his new role.
“Richie brings immense value to the team management unit.
He is a legendary former West Indian batsman and captain but he also brings professional business expertise and this provides an ideal fit as we continue to enhance our professional capacity in all areas of West Indies cricket,” Hilaire said.
It is believed the WICB received more than 40 applicants for the position.
In advertising for the job, the WICB said the new manager would report to the head coach and the director of cricket and would be responsible for managing the operational and logistical requirements of the West Indies team. (HG)
