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Sir Viv Richards, one of the greatest cricketers of all-time, has been lined up to assist with Bermuda's preparations for next year's Stanford 20/20 knockout tournament.

The West Indian batting legend will fly into Bermuda to assist with coaching and offer his expertise to the Bermuda Cricket Board.

The details of Richards' visits have yet to be finalized but tournament spokesperson Debbie Collins confirmed yesterday that Richards would be the 'legend' assigned to Bermuda.

The tournament, a $1million top prize 20/20 knockout competition involving 21 countries from across the Caribbean, takes place in Antigua in January and February next year.

It was established in 2005 by billionaire Allen Stanford who recruited a cadre of legends, including greats like Clive Lloyd, Courtney Walsh and Sir Garfield Sobers to work with each team.

Last time out Bermuda got former West Indies spinner Lance Gibbs, who visited the island to aid our team's campaign - a campaign that ultimately ended in a crushing defeat to Jamaica.

Bermuda's task isn't any easier this time around as they play defending champs Guyana in the lose once and you're out tournament.

But Bermuda have got the biggest name of all, in Richards, to aid their bid.

'King Viv' scored 24 centuries in 121 Tests at a phenomenal average of 50.23 and was the fulcrum of the great West Indies side which dominated world cricket in the 1970s and 80s.

One of the most entertaining cricketers of all time, Richards was noted for his swaggering style, chewing gum at the crease and refusing to wear a helmet against the quicks.

He backed up his confidence with a brutal, offensive batting style that earned him the nickname 'master blaster' as well as the fastest Test century in history - a 56-ball romp against England.

He was voted as one of Wisden magazine's five cricketers of the 20th century and is revered as an idol who, like Mohammed Ali and Michael Jordan, transcended his sport.

The Antiguan, now 55, works as an occasional commentator and is on the board of the Stanford 20/20 organisation.

Ms Collins added: "Viv will be paying occasional visits to Bermuda and assisting with their clinics and so forth.

"The Bermuda Cricket Board will be able to call on his expertise and use him as they see fit. He'll be helping with coaching and development until the end of the tournament."

She said Richards' first visit had not yet been scheduled but the Stanford 20/20 organisation would be working out the details with the BCB soon.[[In-content Ad]]

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