David “Bumble” Lloyd has announced his retirement from the Sky Sports’ cricket commentary team after 22 years with the company. Photo: Getty Images
David Lloyd follows other big names in QUITTING Sky Sports commentary box
David “Bumble” Lloyd has announced his retirement from the Sky Sports’ cricket commentary team after 22 years with the company.
David “Bumble” Lloyd has announced his retirement from the Sky Sports’ cricket commentary team after 22 years with the company. Photo: Getty Images
David “Bumble” Lloyd has announced his retirement from the Sky Sports cricket commentary team after 22 years behind the microphone.
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The former England player, umpire and coach, 74, became a popular part of Sky’s coverage for over two decades, commentating on numerous iconic moments across all formats of the game.
David Lloyd was known as the voice of T20 cricket
“Bumble” became a Sky mainstay for England matches in 1999 but became better known for being the voice of T20 cricket following the format’s introduction in 2003.
The commentary legend now follows other key personnel in Michael Holding, Ian Botham and David Gower’s decisions to move on from Sky, claiming their departures made his job feel “emptier.”
Speaking on his retirement in a statement, David Lloyd said: “After 22 wonderful years with Sky Cricket, I’ve decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone.
“It’s been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people’s homes up and down the country.
“There are so many wonderful memories, so many terrific games and incredible performances. I’ve been lucky to travel the world sharing Ashes highs and lows, World Cup wins and losses, heroics and heartaches with you all.
“Sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with my broadcasting hero Bill Lawry was a real highlight. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock and Ian Smith amongst many others.
“With the passing of Bob Willis and after the decision to move on by my good friends David Gower, Ian Botham and more recently Michael Holding, the commentary box feels a little emptier. And so I feel it is time for me to do the same and move on to the next chapter.
“I leave the Sky box in immensely capable hands led by my pals Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ian Ward and Rob Key. To those that follow, cherish that mic. Inform and entertain so the next generation can fall in love with this wonderful game.
“I’m done now with Sweet Caroline but in the words of Elton John, “I’m still standing!” Much love, Bumble.”
David Lloyd last month apologised to former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq after being accused of making racist comments.
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Rafiq claimed David Lloyd attempted to smear him in an effort to suppress allegations of racism against his former employers at Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
