Test legend Sir Viv Richards has been urged to stand for the position of head of the West Indies selection panel.

The Leeward Islands plan to nominate 50-year-old Richards at the annual general meeting of the West Indies Cricket Board later this month, according to the CANA news agency.

Former teammates Gordon Greenidge and Andy Roberts are among the other names expected to be nominated.

"From the names that I hear that have been put forward, I believe it will be great to work with such individuals," he has said.

Current selectors Mike Findlay, Joel Garner and Joey Carew are reaching the end of their contracts and Richards could benefit from WICB president Wes Hall's desire for greater involvement by the Caribbean's cricket "icons".

Richards scored 8,540 runs in 121 Tests at an average of over 50, and also made 6,721 in one-day internationals.

He also captained West Indies in 50 Tests between 1980 and 1991, winning 27 and losing only eight, and was named as one of Wisden's five Cricketers of the Century in 2000.

Richards was, however, overlooked for the job of West Indies coach two years ago when Roger Harper was appointed.

Former West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh is, meanwhile, set to receive an honorary degree from the Univeristy of the West Indies for his services to the game.

He will be the 11th former player to receive such an honour, the list including illustrious names such as Richards, the late Malcolm Marshall, Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and Curtly Ambrose.