David Lloyd leaves Sky Sports after 22-year commentary career

The former England coach hangs up the mic after more than two decades with the broadcaster

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David Lloyd has decided to step away from Sky Sports' cricket coverage after 22 years in the commentary box.

The 74-year-old, who played and coached England, found mainstream fame leading the broadcasters' coverage across the international and domestic formats.

Lloyd, affectionately known as Bumble, has been a central figure in Sky establishing themselves as the go-to platform for cricket on television, voicing the action with an entertaining and comic flavour.

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David Lloyd is leaving Sky (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In November, he became embroiled in the racism scandal which has engulfed English cricket.

Azeem Rafiq alleged that Lloyd tried to smear him in an effort to discredit his allegations of racism against Yorkshire.

Lloyd subsequently apologised to Rafiq and the Asian cricket community for his involvement.

"I'm done now with Sweet Caroline but in the words of Elton John: 'I'm still standing'"

David Lloyd

"It's been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people's homes up and down the country," he said in a statement on Twitter.

"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.

"To those that follow, cherish that mic. Inform and entertain, so the next generation can fall into love with this wonderful game.

"I'm done now with Sweet Caroline but in the words of Elton John: 'I'm still standing'."

Sky colleagues Nasser Hussain and Rob Key have led the tributes to Lloyd.

"I cannot believe I will not be sharing a Sky commentary box with David Lloyd anymore," ex-England skipper Hussain wrote for The Daily Mail. "He is one of the all-time great commentators and a wonderful human being.

"Cricket is in Bumble's veins. You can hear his love and passion for the game in every word he says and he has that priceless ability to inform and entertain at the same time."

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Lloyd was a key part of the broadcaster's T20 and international coverage (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

"What a sad day," Key posted on social media. "The best person I know. By some distance as well. Love always @BumbleCricket. Nobody does it better. Congratulations on a magnificent career."

Ebony Rainford Brent added: "It has been an absolute joy working with @BumbleCricket over the last few years. Sad to see him hang up his boots but he has bought a lot of joy to a lot of people. Will be missed in the comm box."

Former England international Alex Hartley wrote: "You've provided great entertainment over the years and changed cricket comms forever. 

"You've proved people can be themselves, have a laugh and still talk sense. 

"You've inspired me to be the commentator I am today. 

"Thank you Bumble, for everything."

Ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen paid tribute to Lloyd, too, saying: "You were and are awesome".

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Comments

Posted by Danny Corcoran on 24/12/2021 at 14:14

Sky have really lost the plot. So many great and legendary commentators gone from our screens. I don’t know what Sky’s agenda is, but I can guess. Cancelling my Sports subscription as soon as contract expires. David Lloyd leaving is truly the last straw. The man is an absolute legend , completely irreplaceable. Shame on you Sky!

Posted by Brin Summerhill on 23/12/2021 at 19:03

I just really hope that the Rafiq affair had nothing to do with your decisoon! A lot of muddy water and a great deal of he said this he said that without, as far as I have seen, concrete evidence. Bumble you were solely responsible for both my son and myself falling in love with the great game and you will be greatly missed! I hope that your book writing days are not coming to an end as well. Take care and stay safe:

Posted by Lionel Cummins on 23/12/2021 at 18:47

A cricket comic who never overlooked the importance of entertaining the children who came to watch the game. Let's hope we haven't seen or heard the last of you. Enjoy the rest. See you later.

Posted by Tim Eagleton on 23/12/2021 at 02:52

First, sadly Bob Willis, then David Gower & Ian Botham, then Michael Holding, and now BUMBLE, what on earth are sky doing? It was the same with the best football programme on sky - Saturday Gillette, first it was Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt LeTissier, and now Jeff Stelling (& probably Paul Merson next). Can anyone see the trend?????????? Wake up sky, you’re getting rid of so many very talented blokes, never to be replaced.neither Bumble or Jeff would consider leaving if their ‘mates’ were still there!!!!!!!

Posted by Paul latham on 23/12/2021 at 00:53

Great commentary will surely be missed with is one liners and comedy will be truly missed good health bumble

Posted by David Gourley on 22/12/2021 at 11:02

Thank you Bumble, I am going to miss you, even more often than our current openers when presenting the middle of the bat. Thanks for making the commentary so much fun, yet informative, up there with the inimitable Mr Arlott

Posted by Gordon Massey on 22/12/2021 at 06:59

Bumble you were a joy to listen to always made the cricket a brighter place cheers BUMBLE

Posted by R. S. Aiyyar on 22/12/2021 at 03:19

Without all these gems the latest being 'bumble' no fun in watching and listening to sky sports cricket telecast. Stay healthy bumble

Posted by Roger Ward on 21/12/2021 at 23:43

Sad news indeed,Bumble you were one if the best,Englands Richie,best wishes for your retirement and thank you. Regards Roger

Posted by Saleem Rabbani on 21/12/2021 at 23:24

We will always hear the echoes of these great cricket icons. Thanks for explaining cricket to us.

Posted by Tony Rawlinson on 21/12/2021 at 19:57

Forced out by the PC police, how sad but not unexpected in this intolerant age

Posted by Jim on 21/12/2021 at 19:07

You brought fun into watching cricket on television, will be sorely missed

Posted by Irvine Lawrence on 21/12/2021 at 18:58

Very sad, will miss you bumble, and that is from a yorky. Cricket is going down the nick, I did not think I would say this after watching it for seventy years but when they told us to call batsmen batters and more, its time to hang up my bat & ball !!!!!!

Posted by richard abbott on 21/12/2021 at 17:49

a sad day for english men will cancel sky sports

Posted by Steve white on 21/12/2021 at 16:29

So sad to see bumble leave .thanks for the lovely memories bumble

Posted by Barry Cottin on 21/12/2021 at 16:01

sad day your comenting was the best entertainment you will be sorly missed

Posted by Narendra on 21/12/2021 at 15:41

Thanks bumble

Posted by Keith Allen on 21/12/2021 at 15:00

Start the car good luck David Lloyd and good luck in your new ventures

Posted by Dave broome on 21/12/2021 at 14:50

What a knowledgeable person on cricket made the sky sports cricket commentators what they are the best in world cricket would have been in Australia for the series but watching on BT not the same thank you bumble for your input 🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏🏏

Posted by Peter Griffin on 21/12/2021 at 14:39

There will never be anyone to match Bumble. So sorry you're leaving and thank you for all the pleasure you have given to everyone.

Posted by Timothy Keech on 21/12/2021 at 13:42

We mourned the departure of John Arlott whose regional accent did so much to break through the prejudice against anything other than BBC English being the norm. To hear the warmth, enthusiasm and humour of Bumble's delivery was a constant delight with the added insight given by an ex-player. The sound of his commentaries will be much missed.

Posted by Stuart Pemberton on 21/12/2021 at 12:11

Without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable,and certainly the most amusing of all the Commentators of my generation.Youwill be sorely missed"Bumble"

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