Cricket: Richardson quits

RICHIE RICHARDSON, the West Indian batsman, could be out of cricket for up to a year because of poor health. After being referred to a London specialist, he is reported to be suffering from acute fatigue syndrome.

Yorkshire have cancelled his contract by mutual consent and he will not be on this winter's tour to India, where he was expected to continue captaining his country.

Richardson played his final Sunday League match for Yorkshire yesterday at Cheltenham, scoring 38 before an unbeaten century from Mark Alleyne saw Gloucestershire to a three-wicket win.

'I have been extremely tired due to the pressures of continuous cricket, particularly as I have not had a good break for many years,' Richardson said. 'At times I have felt very fatigued and generally unwell and I feel it is in the best interest of all concerned for me to have a complete break.'