ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The unmistakable presence of Sir Vivian Richards—certainly one of cricket’s most revered icons—lit up the West Indies Academy on Thursday, July 31, as he delivered a stirring deal with within the newest installment of Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) Legacy Periods.
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His message was as unmistakable as his swagger on the crease: sporting the maroon is a privilege, and turning into a champion calls for ability, sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond along with your teammates.
Classes from an period of dominance
Sir Viv spoke with ardour and authority, drawing on the golden years of West Indies cricket when the workforce reigned supreme. He described the unity and mindset that propelled his facet to 15 years unbeaten in Check collection (1980–1995), capturing the 1975 and 1979 World Cups, and taking part in fearless cricket beneath his captaincy from 1984 to 1991.
“It was about togetherness,” Richards pressured. “We knew if we stood shoulder to shoulder, nobody might conquer us.”
He underscored that these values—braveness, delight, and solidarity—stay very important, even in in the present day’s evolving cricket panorama.
A part of a broader legacy programme
The session shaped Half 3 of CWI’s Historical past of West Indies Cricket/Legacy Periods collection, specializing in The Golden Period (1976–1995). The initiative connects rising expertise to the sport’s proud heritage, guaranteeing that the following technology understands the legacy they inherit.
Earlier periods in Could featured fast-bowling greats Sir Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, providing their very own distinctive insights into what it takes to succeed on the highest degree.
Phrases from a sporting all-rounder
Earlier than Sir Viv’s presentation, the gamers heard from Andy “Job” Christian, certainly one of Antigua’s most versatile athletes, who represented his nation in monitor and subject, soccer, and basketball. A detailed good friend of Richards, Christian urged the younger cricketers to embrace the nationwide and regional delight that comes with representing the West Indies.
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Maintaining the flame alive
For the Academy gamers, the encounter was greater than a motivational speak—it was a direct hyperlink to an period when West Indies cricket dominated the world stage. By these Legacy Periods, CWI continues to strengthen that being a West Indies cricketer isn’t just about efficiency, however about upholding a convention of excellence and resilience.
