As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making significant strides to bring in legendary West Indian cricketer Sir Vivian Richards as the team mentor for the tournament.
Sources reveal that negotiations are currently underway between the PCB and Richards. The cricket board is keen to leverage Richards’ extensive experience and expertise, especially given the event’s location in the West Indies and the United States.
This move is inspired by Richards’ successful mentoring role with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His presence is expected to be a tremendous asset for the Pakistani team.
However, the PCB faces a challenge in this endeavor due to Richards’ existing media commitments for the tournament, which starts on June 2. Despite this, the PCB remains optimistic and is exploring various solutions to accommodate Richards’ schedule.
The development comes on the heels of Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten joining the national team in the United Kingdom. Kirsten’s involvement is crucial as Pakistan gears up for the four-match T20I series against England, beginning tomorrow, which serves as a vital preparation for the World Cup.
Pakistan will play their first World Cup match against the USA on June 6 in Dallas, with the highly anticipated clash against India set for June 9 in New York.
The T20 World Cup 2024 will feature 20 qualifying teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight round, further split into two groups of four. The top two from these groups will progress to the semi-finals, with the winners competing in the final.
The semi-finals are scheduled for June 26 and 27 in Guyana and Trinidad, respectively, while the final will be held on June 29 in Barbados.
In the West Indies, the matches will be played at several iconic venues, including Barbados’ Kensington Oval, Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Guyana’s Providence Stadium, Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, St Lucia’s Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, and St Vincent’s Arnos Vale Stadium. In the US, the venues include New York’s Eisenhower Park, Florida’s Lauderhill, and Grand Prairie in Texas.
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