St. John's (Antigua), April 20 (IANS): The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive, Michael Muirhead, has described the newly launched Four Knights Academy as a "masterstroke", and says it has the potential to play a critical role in national development here.

The cricket academy, established in honour of Antigua and West Indies legends Vivian Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Andy Roberts and Richie Richardson, was formally unveiled on Sunday at the Jumby Bay Resort, reports CMC.

“The Four Knights Academy is a masterstroke, which I am sure will score big among the aspiring boys and girls of Antigua and Barbuda and will open doors for the future of cricket in the Caribbean,” Muirhead said at a gala ceremony attended by the famous quartet along with legendary former captain and current selection chief Clive Lloyd.

“The four knights have created a legacy for cricket in Antigua and Barbuda and the launch of this academy will ensure that the legacy lives on.

“Let it also be an institution of learning - not just about the yes, no, and wait about the game of cricket but also about the ins and outs and dos and don’ts about life as well. Let it help to rebuild national pride and produce the heroes of the society,” he added.

The venture is being funded by the Antigua government and will cater to young aspiring local cricketers wishing to develop their game further.

While the four knights will be involved with the academy, other national coaches are expected to be employed to oversee enrolled members.

Muirhead also urged support for the West Indies Retired Players Foundation, a joint initiative between the WICB and the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) geared towards ensuring former players were not lost to the future development of the game in the region.

“The skills and services of our retired players have not been utilised in a manner befitting their stature and the situation needed to be improved,” he pointed out.

“Our former players have international reputations for success and achievement and we must now, in a formal and structured way, undertake the necessary work to utilise their expertise to help to improve and redevelop West Indies Cricket.

“Cricket is a game which can play an integral role in the social development of a country. Cricket teaches us about life and about teamwork, about leadership and the fact that you win some and lose some.

"These are some of the virtues that would serve a young cricketer for the rest of his or her life,” he concluded.