Former South African batting sensation Barry Richards will be the guest speaker at the inaugural gala banquet for the 20-20 World Cricket Classic next month.

Along with the left-handed Graeme Pollock, the phenomenally talented Richards was prevented from making a significant impact at Test level because of South Africa?s sporting isolation in the 1970s and 80s as punishment for the apartheid regime.

But in only four Tests, which all came against Australia in 1969-70, he scored a remarkable 508 runs at an average of almost 73.

Richards also thrilled spectators with his aggressive strokeplay for a variety of high-profile first class sides in England, Australia and in his homeland during a career spanning 19 years.

He was also lured Down Under by Kerry Packer?s millions to play World Series Cricket.

Such was his immense ability, he scored more than 1,000 first class runs in a calendar year on 15 occasions, finishing with the impressive average of 54.

Perhaps his most noteworthy achievements however was the 325 runs he scored in a single day while playing for South Australia in 1971 ? against an attack boasting the likes of Dennis Lillee, Garth McKenzie and England spinner Tony Locke.

Sir Donald Bradman, meanwhile, once described him as the greatest ever right-handed opener.

The Classic ? which will boast the involvement of some big name former players such as Ian Healy and Aravinda DeSilva ? runs from April 23 to 29, with the banquet scheduled for the evening of the 28th.

Tickets are available online at www.bermudaboxoffice.bm.