West Indies batting legend Sir Vivian Richards has thrown his full support behind the 2022 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup set to bowl off in the Caribbean on January 14.

The ‘Master Blaster’, in welcoming teams to the Caribbean for the tournament, said he is thrilled that his home country will be hosting matches in the global tournament.

“Let me take this opportunity to say how excited I am to know that the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup will be hosted here in Antigua and Barbuda and more so at the Vivian Richards Stadium. I am very excited for that,” said the 69-year-old West Indian icon, who represented the West Indies from 1974-1991.

“Cricket fans should also be excited and I will be taking this opportunity to wish the individuals, who will be participating, the very best and let’s hope that all Antiguans and Barbudans can look forward to see what the future will be like here at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground,” he added.

Sixteen teams will compete over 48 games in the competition that will conclude on February 5, 2022.

Matches will be played across four countries: Antigua, Guyana, St Kitts and Trinidad, with the final set to take place at the Sir Vivian Cricket Ground in Antigua.

New Zealand withdrew from the tournament due to the extensive mandatory quarantine restrictions for minors on their return home, with Scotland named as their replacement.

Bangladesh are the defending champions.

The West Indies won the tournament in 2016 under the captaincy of Shimron Hetmyer.