Lloyd will also be the West Indies board's representative at the tournament

He will help coach Bennett King prepare the team as they defend the trophy they won in England two years ago.

They play their opening game against Zimbabwe at Ahmedabad on Sunday

Lloyd was the most successful West Indies captain of all time and led them to victory in the 1975 and 1979 World Cup finals.

"He has agreed to make himself accessible to captain, coach and manager to assist in any way which will build morale, strengthen the team's performance and encourage a stronger culture of professionalism and discipline.

"We know that Clive's vast experience in leading victorious West Indian teams in the past will be an additional asset to the touring team," said a WICB statement.

One player who could benefit from Lloyd's expertise is opener and fellow left-hander Chris Gayle, who is hoping to repeat the form he showed during a one-day series in India four years ago.

On that tour he hit three hundreds and a half century to help West Indies to a 4-3 victory.

"Conditions here won't be much different from those at home. I think you'll be entertained as long as I am at the crease," said Gayle.

To reach the main draw, West Indies must earn one of two qualifying places from a group which also includes Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Gayle said having to pre-qualify was "a bit strange" as they are the holders of the trophy.

"Sri Lanka have been playing really well in recent months and we are not going to take Bangladesh and Zimbabwe lightly. Nothing can be taken for granted.

"We have a young team, but I think we have the ability to do well and hopefully we will start dominating in future.

"We have the confidence and on a given day we can beat any team," he added.