A HOST of former Test captains, World Cup winners and international cricketing stars began arriving in Barbados yesterday in preparation for Friday's opening of the CLOBI Cup International Masters Tournament at Kensington Oval.

Sri Lanka were the first to touch down, with 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga among a squad that also includes former batting anchors Marvan Atapattu and Hashan Tillakaratne as well as dynamic wicket-keeper/batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana, now their "A" team coach.

West Indies face Sri Lanka, South Africa and England in the seven-match event which runs from November 27 to December 5.

South Africa will be without batsman Herschelle Gibbs, who was yesterday handed a recall for the remainder of the country's senior team for their limited-overs international series against England. Gibbs has been called up as cover for injured allrounder Jacques Kallis, who is expected to be sidelined for a month with a rib injury.

Peter Strydom will replace Gibbs in the South Africa squad for the CLOBI Cup. (CC)