Monday, February 16 – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua & Barbuda: West Indian Cricket legends Sir Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts and Michael Holding were honoured on Monday when they were presented with their International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame caps. During a special ceremony held during lunch on Day 2 of the 3rd Digicel Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground, the three greats received their blue caps from the President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dr Julian Hunte.
For Holding, the Jamaican who took 249 wickets in 60 Test matches between 1975 and 1987, the moment was extra special as it came on his 55th birthday: “I am truly honoured to have been named in the ICC Hall of Fame and to receive my cap. It’s a special moment for me. It is always good to be remembered.”
Sir Viv was also delighted: “I am thrilled that the ICC and the people around the world have seen it fit to honour myself and other players who contributed to the game. To be honoured alongside Andy and Mikey – two guys who have been part of the journey with me for so many years – is simply great,” said the former West Indies captain and Antiguan National Hero, who made 8540 runs in 121 Tests with 24 centuries. “Thanks to everyone!”
In his heyday Roberts was a firey fast bowler and took 202 wickets in 47 Tests. Today he serves as the head of grounds at the Antigua Recreation Ground and has done a remarkable job in getting the facility ready for the 3rd Digicel Test match: “I enjoyed my days playing for the West Indies and representing the people of the West Indies. I am very happy to be honoured as a member of the ICC Hall of Fame. I will cherish the moment,” the 58-year-old said.
The three players were the first of 13 West Indian legends to be presented with their caps. The remainder of the Legends will receive their Hall of Fame caps at other venues during the Digicel Series 2009. The 13 West Indian Legends are: George Headley, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall.
