Tony Cozier, one of the most revered and iconic voices in international cricket commentary, died this morning following a long illness.
Cozier, 75, who has covered almost every West Indies series since 1962, is the most respected cricket writer, broadcaster and historian to have come out of the Caribbean.
Following is the full text of a statement issued by the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on the passing of this great son of the Caribbean:
It is with deep regret that the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) learned of the passing of world-renowned West Indies commentator Tony Cozier on Wednesday following a long illness.
Cozier, 75, covered almost every West Indies series since 1962, and is the most respected cricket writer, broadcaster and historian to have come out of the Caribbean.
Commenting on the sad news, Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the CPL said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of Tony’s sad passing.
“To many fans across the Caribbean and beyond he was quite simply the voice of West Indies cricket. His love of cricket was a positive influence in telling the story across a golden era for West Indies cricket and he was hugely respected and loved, in equal measure, by fans of the game.
“For more than 50 years Tony’s voice has resonated through television, radio or the written word in homes across the cricketing world and he was admired internationally for his passion, insight and enthusiasm.
“Most recently Tony was kind enough to share some of his hopes and thoughts on the forthcoming CPL in a way that was typically Tony; full of insight, forthright opinion and, above all, humour. He spoke at length about his beloved Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis and the soon to be published Jamaica. Though this series will now remain unfinished, like his legacy, they will live on and no doubt endure for all time.
“On behalf of the CPL I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his wife Jillian, children Craig and Natalie and his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
