In an extraordinary moment celebrating one of the Caribbean’s cricketing greats, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Professor Densil A. Williams, bridged academia with sports history, launching his much-anticipated biography of former West Indies captain, Sir Richard Benjamin “Richie” Richardson. The book was unveiled in Antigua at Casa Palmadita, Fitches Creek, marking a significant tribute to the living legend whose contributions on and off the pitch continue to resonate throughout the Caribbean.

As the author of Richie Richardson, the latest installment in UWI Press’ Caribbean Biography Series, Professor Williams embraced the challenge of telling the personal and professional story of the former West Indies captain. Known for his meticulous research in international business, Professor Williams applied the same dedication to documenting the cricketing icon’s professional and personal journey.

The book was officially launched by Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda. Sir Rodney described Williams as an outstanding academic and praised him for his academic excellence and for the meticulous way in which he captured the work and life of Sir Richie Richardson. The launch event also included remark from Hon Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sport and Creative Industries, Antigua and Barbuda.

A wide cross-section of persons from business, government, academic and the public service attended the launch event.
The book, as part of the Caribbean Biography Series, aims to immortalize one of the region’s significant sporting figures, Sir Richard Benjamin Richardson. It traces his beginnings as a humble school boy in the Five Islands Village in Antigua and Barbuda where the 5th Campus of The UWI is now located, to his major accomplishments as a global sports superstar, an accomplished business man, a husband, father and grandfather, to being an ambassador for his country, Antigua and Barbuda. The book is a must-read for cricket enthusiasts as it provides a gripping account of Richie’s time as player and captain of the West Indies team.

The book Richie Richardson by Densil A. Williams is now available at www.uwipress.com, inviting readers worldwide to explore the life and legacy of one of the Caribbean's most cherished cricketing heroes.

Former West Indies stalwart Richie Richardson was moved by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) recognition as he celebrated a milestone of officiating in 50 Men’s Test matches as a Match Referee.

Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Panel of Elite Match Referees, reached the landmark when he took the field in the first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan on Monday.

The 62-year-old former West Indies captain has also officiated in 99 Men’s ODIs, 99 Men’s T20Is, eight Women’s ODIs and 15 Women’s T20Is since making his international debut in February 2016.

Sean Easey, ICC’s senior manager for umpires and referees, lauded Richardson on the milestone.

“Congratulations are offered for reaching this significant milestone. Building on his extensive experience from being a player and team manager, Richie has worked hard to establish himself as a Match Referee. That hard work is clearly paying off,” Easey said.

“He conducts himself with composure, integrity, and respect, and in return he is highly respected by the game’s participants. On behalf of the ICC, I wish Richie best wishes for his 50th Test match as a referee,” he added.

Richardson in return expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way.

“It is an honour to be officiating in my 50^th Men’s Test match. I have enjoyed doing this job in different parts of the world and in all three formats of the game.

“I thank the International Cricket Council, Cricket West Indies, and all my colleagues for their support over the years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends whose encouragement has been invaluable,” Richardson stated.

During his playing time, Richardson scored 5,944 runs in 86 Test matches and 6,248 runs in 224 One Day Internationals during an impressive international career from 1983 to 1996. He was inducted into the Emirates ICC Panel of Elite Match Referees in 2016.