‘He is part of the Gladiators family’ Nadeem Omar on Viv Richards

West Indies legend and Quetta Gladiators’ mentor Sir Viv Richards has claimed that he is ‘fortunate’ to be a part of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Viv Richards opened up about PSL, how it ranks alongside other domestic leagues across the world, and more.

“PSL has attracted so many great players to this league over the years. It is one of the better tournaments where T20 is concerned,” he said.

Speaking about being a consistent part of the Gladiators’ franchise, Richards said that he is fully enjoying himself.

“I am fortunate to be a part of the Quetta Gladiators and I am enjoying it 120 percent,” Viv said.

“I love Quetta Gladiators as they gave me a chance to be with them from the very beginning. Seeing the comradery within the unit; the owner, magnificent, the players and everyone involved,” he added.

In response, Nadeem Omar explained the story as to how the decision to have Sir Viv Richards on board came.

“Seven years ago, people were contemplating how to highlight the T20 franchise cricket. Many people suggested having celebrities on board, others suggested models. But the best way near me was to secure the services of one of the best players of all-time and that was Sir Viv,” Nadeem said.

“We used to call Sir Viv day and night. He had already occupied the mentor role in the Indian Premier League but he did not enjoy it. We promised him that if he feels the same way in PSL then he can go back whenever he desired. Only after this, he agreed,” explained the Quetta Gladiators owner.

Nadeem Omar said that as soon as Viv Richards joined the franchise, he felt at home.

“It was like a family as soon as he joined and to have a player of his calibre, it was incredible because this was not only beneficial for us but for the entire PSL and Pakistan,” added Omar.

Viv Richards has remained a huge admirer of Pakistan cricket and the players, especially Babar Azam. The legendary cricketer compared Pakistan all-format skipper to the great Mohammad Ali.

“Babar reminds me of Mohammad Ali; he is that classy sort of a boxer, he doesn’t want to knock you out too quickly. But you know when the match is over, you will be bruised because Babar never stops jabbing you. He’s a class act,” Viv explained.

The West Indian legend further said that young players looking to take up T20 cricket should learn from Babar Azam.

“Any young players looking to take inspiration from players, take some from Babar because he doesn’t try and hit every ball for six. Instead, he is all about finding gaps. Babar is one of the best in achieving this.”

While naming his favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Viv Richards said that he is backing West Indies and Pakistan.

 I recently saw West Indies perform and I believe if they keep performing like they do, they can do justice to the Windies. We all know that we did not represent ourselves well in the last T20 World Cup,” he said. “My team away from home is Pakistan because I cannot leave them out of the picture.”