DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) — Former West Indies captain and current team manager Sir Richie Richardson has been appointed to sit on the International Cricket Council’s Elite Panel of Match Referees.

The 53-year-old, who played 86 Tests and scored 5,949 runs in an illustrious career for West Indies, is set to take up the appointment once his stint as team manager ends next January, following the regional side’s tour of Australia.

He replaces Sri Lankan Roshan Mahanama who stepped down last week.

“I am excited and honoured to have been selected for one of the most important jobs in cricket,” Sir Richie said.

“Having been on either side of the fence, first as a player and then as an administrator, I think I have the experience and insight to help me contribute positively alongside some of the finest and most experienced match officials.

“Obviously, I look forward to working and learning from my colleagues as we all continue to strive for excellence.”

Sir Richie took over as team manager in 2011 and has played a key role in helping to galvanise a slumping West Indies team.

He, along with another great former player, Sir Curtly Ambrose, currently form part of the management team along with Head Coach Phil Simmons.

Sir Richie, who leaves with the Windies for the tour of Sri Lanka at month end and then Down Under for a Test series against the Aussies, said he would remain “fully committed” to his present role.

“Until the end of the Australia tour, I will remain fully committed and focused on my current assignment as the West Indies cricket team manager, and I would like to thank the West Indies Cricket Board for its support over years as well as the encouragement it provided to me in taking up this new role,” he said.

ICC general manager – cricket, Geoff Allardice, hailed Sir Richie’s appointment, pointing out he would bring exceptional qualities to his new role.

“Richie is one of the greats of the game who is admired for not only his accomplishments as a batsman, but also the way he captained the West Indies when he embodied traits such as integrity, leadership and sportsmanship in his dealings both on and off the field,” Allardice said.

“He is very familiar with the demands of international cricket through his experiences as a player, captain, and now team manager, and he will bring a fresh perspective to the role.”

Sir Richie also played 224 One Day Internationals from 1983 to 1996, amassing 6,248 runs.

He led West Indies in 24 Tests, winning 11, losing six and drawing seven.