Sir Richie wants Antiguan youth to emulate knighted legends

St. John’s (Antigua), March 5 (IANS/CMC) Former West Indies captain, Sir Richie Richardson, is encouraging the youth in Antigua & Barbuda to emulate the achievements of cricket legends who were knighted here on Friday.

Richardson and two other former international Antiguan cricketers, former fast bowlers Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose, received knighthoods during the first One Day International (ODI) between England and West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds, reports CMC.

“Hopefully, it’s an inspiration for a lot of our young people, not just to become cricketers or sports persons, but just to aspire to be the best they can be so that they can be recognised, not only by the country, but by people internationally and that’s what life is all about,” Sir Richie said.

“It’s not just about living simply. It’s about working hard and devoting yourself to whatever you do and to become great.”

Since receiving his knighthood, Richardson said he has been approached by a number of young players fascinated by his achievements.

“Two young guys stopped me Sunday and asked me for my autograph and they said they want to become cricketers and one of them said, ‘I want to be like you one day’ and as a matter of fact, he said he would see me soon, meaning that he is going to make the West Indies team,” said Richardson, who captained West Indies in 24 Tests after taking over from Sir Viv Richards in 1991.

“I was really inspired by that and that’s what it is all about. Things like that really make me feel good because I see myself as an example for young people.”

West Indies won Friday’s match by 15 runs but lost by three wickets on Sunday. The third and final ODI will be played on Wednesday at the same venue.