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Richie Richardson

Priya Lal with West Indies former captain Richie Richardson
Priya Lal with West Indies former captain Richie Richardson Image: Wikimedia Commons. Littleflower01 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Sir Richard Benjamin "Richie" Richardson, KCN, GCM (born 12 January 1962) is a former Antiguan international cricketer who captained the West Indies cricket team. Renowned as a flamboyant batsman and a superb player of fast bowling, he was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 1992. After retiring from playing, Richardson took on administrative and officiating roles in international cricket.

Key facts

Full name Sir Richard Benjamin Richardson
Born 12 January 1962
Nationality Antiguan
Role Batsman
National team West Indies
Domestic teams Leeward Islands, Yorkshire, Northern Transvaal
Honours KCN, GCM; Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1992)
Later roles West Indies team manager (from January 2011); ICC match referee

Background

Born in Antigua on 12 January 1962, Richardson emerged as one of the leading Caribbean batsmen of his generation. He was particularly noted for his fearless approach against fast bowling, often batting in a wide-brimmed maroon sun hat rather than a helmet—an idiosyncratic feature that became closely associated with his image. Later in his career he switched to wearing a helmet.

Playing career

At domestic level, Richardson captained the Leeward Islands. He also played overseas county and provincial cricket, turning out for Yorkshire in England and Northern Transvaal in South Africa.

For the West Indies, Richardson developed into a senior batsman and eventually succeeded to the captaincy of the side. His standing in the international game was recognised in 1992 when he was named one of Wisden's five Cricketers of the Year.

After playing

In January 2011, Richardson was appointed manager of the West Indies team, a role he held for an eventual five-year period. He has subsequently worked as a match referee on the International Cricket Council's panel.

Honours

  • Knight Commander of the Order of the Nation (KCN)
  • Grand Cross of the Order of Merit (GCM)
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year, 1992

Significance

Richardson is regarded as a key figure in West Indies cricket during the late 1980s and 1990s, both as a top-order batsman and as a captain who led the side following the era of Sir Vivian Richards. His continued involvement as a team manager and ICC match referee has extended his contribution to the game well beyond his playing days.

References