LONDON, England (CMC) — Glowing tributes have been paid to cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards, one of the most destructive batsmen of a dominant era for West Indies.

Some of the most decorated names of West Indian cricket’s golden era joined in the special tributes to Richards during a dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

They included former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd and former teammates Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Gordon Greenidge and Colin Croft.

“It’s not often I’m moved, but this has been a truly special evening and something I won’t forget for a very, very long time,” said Sir Viv.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come here tonight and all the speakers for their incredibly kind words.”

Former England internationals Derek Underwood, David Gower, Mike Gatting, Geoff Miller as well as broadcast legends Tony Cozier and Sir Trevor McDonald joined in paying tribute to Richards known as the ‘Master Blaster’.

Tributes were also played on video screens from Michael Holding, Bob Willis, Alan Lamb and Ian Botham, Richards’s closest friend in the game and godfather to his son.

“Tonight at Lord’s, a very special place for Viv, he was honoured in front of 550 fans, friends and former colleagues,” said Paul Robin, chief executive of the Lord’s Taverners.

“If he didn’t realise how special a player and human being he is, then he should after the event. It was a fun night for all and in raising funds for two good causes, we are supporting work both here and in Antigua that is close to Viv’s heart.”

The dinner raised nearly £100,000 for the United Kingdom’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity, the Lord’s Taverners, and the St John’s Anglican Cathedral Restoration Project in Antigua.