ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Sir Viv Richards has underscored the value of the Four Knights Academy and says he expects the project to have an impact on reviving the fortunes of West Indies cricket.

The iconic former West Indies captain was joined by Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richie Richardson and Sir Curtly Ambrose as they unveiled the much-heralded Four Knights Cricket Academy here last Saturday.

“We the four Knights are excited to be here to present to you, and to our global audience the official launch of the Four Knights Academy,” said Sir Viv as he addressed an audience at a gala ceremony hosted at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, and which was attended by Members of the Parliament, members of the private sector, and leaders in civil society.

“We love Antigua and Barbuda. We love the Caribbean, and we love West Indies cricket.

“We are now ready to make a bigger contribution than we have made in the past, to improve the fortunes of West Indies cricket.”

Sir Viv led perhaps the greatest Test side in history which featured the likes of openers Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Richardson.

Greenidge has also since been knighted while Haynes was conferred with Barbados’ highest honour — the Order of Freedom — last year.

Sir Viv was at the centre of the Four Knights Academy announced eight years ago and said the project was now ready to take flight.

“Tonight is the start of a new beginning, a new journey — new vision with some bold objectives,” said the 71-year-old.

“So please come with us on this journey as we work together to support each other, to make Antigua and Barbuda a centre of excellence for cricket coaching and mentoring…a place where talent can be developed, potentials can be realised and dreams become a reality, all to the benefit of West Indies cricket.”