Richie Richardson appointed team manager

Richie Richardson, the former West Indies captain, has been appointed as manager of the West Indies team for a period of two years beginning immediately in preparation for the ODIs in Sri Lanka and the World Cup in February.

"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," Richardson 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 played 86 Tests and 224 one-day internationals and has been involved in sport tourism ventures in Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom since his retirement in 1996.

"Richie brings immense value to the team management unit," WICB chief executive Ernest Hilaire said. "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."