Viv Richards predicts CPL to be a success

Bridgetown (Barbados), Aug 8 (IANS/CMC) Legendary West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards says he expects the Caribbean Premier T20 League (CPL) to be a success based on fans' response to the Barbados and Guyana legs of the inaugural tournament.

Large crowds witnessed the three games at Kensington Oval in Barbados last week and the four matches at the National Stadium at Providence in Guyana.

Sir Viv, head coach of the Hawksbills, praised the massive turn out of spectators saying it augured well for the future of the CPL.

"The crowds we have seen will have given some indication as to where we are going and what we would like to achieve, and as the tournament goes on and I guess it's going to get better," said Sir Viv, who dominated the 1970s and 1980s era in 121 Tests and 187 One-Day Internationals.

"What we have seen showcased indicates to me that it could get better. To have such a great start to the tournament and to have the Barbados team winning at home was also a plus."

The CPL bowled off in Barbados on July 30 with a spectacular opening ceremony, followed by the opening game where Barbados Tridents defeated St Lucia Zouks by 17 runs.

Two days later, the Tridents repeated their success with a 12-run triumph over the Hawksbills before capping the tripleheader on Sunday with a four-wicket verdict over Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in a low-scoring encounter.

"It is a great relief for us in this part of the world to have the CPL established, and to have Digicel being part of this. They play a big part in what we do here in the Caribbean," Sir Viv stressed.

Overall, 24 matches are being played across six venues - Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and St Lucia - with the semi-finals scheduled for Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad on 22nd and 23rd August, and the final carded for Aug 24 at the same venue.

--IANS/CMC

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