Legends Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Ian Botham on Monday (7th March) unveiled the new Richards-Botham Trophy for Test series between England and West Indies.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua ahead of the upcoming Test series between West Indies and England.
The two cricketing heavyweights will face off in the three-match Test series. The series will begin from 8th March in Antigua with the second and third games to be played in Barbados and Grenada on 16th and 24th March respectively.
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Talking about the Test series being named after him, Sir Vivian Richards called it a ‘special feeling’. He talked about the impact Sir Ian Botham had on the game and said that he’s delighted to receive the honor in recognition of what he achieved.
“It’s a truly special feeling to have the fantastic trophy named in honor of my great friend Ian and myself. We played a lot together and built a great friendship on and off the cricket field. As I said earlier, I am truly delighted to know that the game that I have shown my love for all my life is naming such a prestigious award in recognition of what I managed to achieve. It’s a beautiful trophy and I want to again thank everyone who came up with this idea and contributed to its creation," Sir Vivian Richards said.
Sir Ian Botham also shared his views on the same. He said that he’s honored to have his name alongside Viv Richards on the trophy. He also talked about the upcoming Test series between West Indies and England, highlighting that the winning captain would be a happy man.
“It’s a great idea and a truly lovely trophy. It really stands out and I’m honored to have my name on the trophy alongside my friend Sir Viv. The captain who picks up the trophy at the end of the upcoming series will be a happy man," Sir Ian Botham said.
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West Indies and English captains also spoke about the Richards-Botham trophy. Kraigg Brathwaite said it’s extra special to be playing for the trophy named after two greats. He expressed his desire to get his hands on the trophy.
Joe Root while calling the Test series between West Indies and England ‘iconic’ said that trophy being named after Sir Richards and Sir Botham is a fitting tribute for the rivalry between two teams.
“We’re really excited and ready for the upcoming Apex Test Series against England. This is going to be an amazing three weeks of cricket. It’s extra special too that we’re playing for the new Richards-Botham trophy, a fitting tribute to these two great men. We want to be the first team to get our hands on it and celebrate with our fans,” Kraigg Brathwaite said.
“Test series between England and West Indies are iconic, and to have a trophy named after arguably the two most outstanding England and West Indies cricketers of all-time in Lord Ian Botham and Sir Vivian Richards is a fitting tribute for this great rivalry. We are enthused about the next month of competition, and we hope to make the England fans proud by lifting the Richards-Botham trophy," Joe Root said.
(News 18 inputs)
