Sky Sports’ David Lloyd retires from cricket commentary after 22 years
Former England cricketer and coach David Lloyd has announced he is retiring from the commentary box after 22 years.
A regular with Sky Sports for the last two decades, Lloyd – known throughout the game as “Bumble” – has decided to step down from his role with the broadcaster.
The 74-year-old follows fellow former England players Ian Botham and David Gower in leaving Sky in recent years.
“After 22 wonderful years with Sky Cricket, I've decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone,” he wrote on social media. “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 now 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.”
Sky thanked Lloyd for his contributions, hailing his importance in the rise of T20 cricket.
The broadcaster said in a statement: “Lloyd had been a star of the Sky Cricket commentary box for over two decades, with an extraordinary ability to inform and entertain in equal measure.
“Bumble also played a huge role helping Sky launch Twenty20 taking cricket to new audiences in 2003 – a format that has changed the sport forever.
“He is much loved and respected by his fellow commentators and production team who cherish the time spent working with him. Thank you Bumble for your service.”
Lloyd last month admitted exchanging private messages disparaging racism whistle-blower Azeem Rafiq and also regrets discussing “the Asian cricket community”. He apologised on Twitter and also made a personal phone call, which Rafiq accepted.