T20I World Cup 2024: PCB looking to rope in Vivian Richards as 'mentor'

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is working to secure the services of veteran West Indian cricketer Sir Vivian Richards as the Green Shirts' mentor in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

The board, as per the sources, is in talks with Richards to rope him as team mentor owing to his experience and knowledge and the impact that he might have as the tournament is set to take place in the West Indies and the United States on June 2.

The PCB's decision to bring in Richards is inspired by his role as team mentor of the Quetta Gladiators franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

However, the hurdle that PCB needs to overcome in this regard is the veteran cricketer's existing media commitments in the upcoming international tournament.

Nevertheless, the board remains committed to securing the West Indies legend's services as it continues to explore solutions to address the scheduling issue.

The development comes as Pakistan's new white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten has already joined the national side in the United Kingdom ahead of the four-match T20I series against England, set to kick off tomorrow. Kirsten will prove to be vital for the Men in Green's preparation for the mega event.

The national side will play their first World Cup match on June 6 against the USA in Dallas and the most anticipated clash between Pakistan and India will take place on June 9 (Sunday) in New York.

The T20I World Cup 2024 will see a total of 20 qualifying teams, which have been divided into four groups of five, contesting for the coveted title.

The top two teams of every group will make their way to the Super Eight round.

In that stage, qualifying teams will once again be divided into two groups of four, from which the top two teams will make their way to the semi-final and then the winners will play the final.

The semi-finals of the event will be played on June 26 and 27 in Guyana and Trinidad, respectively, while the World Cup final will take place in Barbados on June 29.

The venues in West Indies include 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.

Meanwhile, in the US, three venues will host the games including New York’s Eisenhower Park, Florida’s Lauderhill, and Grand Prairie in Texas.