Sir Viv hopes for Caribbean cricket renaissance

Sir Viv hopes for Caribbean cricket renaissance
AP Photo/Michael Kim

Former West Indies captain, Sir Vivian Richards says it will take some time for the regional side’s success in T20 cricket to be transferred to Tests and One-Day Internationals.

Sir Viv, an advisor for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL) said recently West Indies got much-needed confidence by winning the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, last year. He is hoping a renaissance in Caribbean cricket can take place.

“We are hoping for a renaissance to happen. The West Indies have got much-needed boost by winning the World Twenty20,” said Sir Viv.

“They have to take it forward. I feel it will happen gradually, and time will only tell,” he told cricket writers in New Delhi.

Sir Viv said he is impressed with the performance of two West Indians, Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine, who are doing exceptionally well in the IPL.

Gayle recently struck a record unbeaten 66-ball 175 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Kolkata King Riders’ off-spinner Narine is the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets from seven matches.

Sir Viv’s arrival as advisor to the Daredevils inspired them to win their first match in the IPL. They defeated Mumbai Indians recently.