CHARLIE PETERS: The former West Indies bowler, winner of the Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) Peter Smith Award, can't wait to end his association with a game that he has served with distinction for nearly half a century
Michael Holding has taken aim at cricket's governing bodies and claims he won't miss the sport upon entering retirement.
The former West Indies international, 67, recently confirmed his decision to step away from the commentary box after 31 years of service and has been honoured with the Cricket Writers’ Club (CWC) Peter Smith Award for outstanding contribution to the presentation of cricket to the public.
In an acceptance interview with chair Alison Mitchell, Holding outlined his discontent with the modern game, which he believes has changed significantly since his playing heyday in the 1970s and 80s.
“I am very disappointed in the people who are running [the game] and the people managing it, and I won’t miss it when I go,” the Jamaican said.
“I’ll miss the friendships that I’ve made, I’ll miss the great people I work with, but I won’t miss the game, because this game is not the game that I started playing and the game that I knew. It’s different.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board, in particular, came in for heavy criticism from Holding, who believes their decision to pull the planned tour of Pakistan with less than a month’s notice was poor.
The most powerful piece of sports broadcasting I can recall
“They were going for four days," he added. "Pakistan went to England before vaccines were available, for six or seven weeks. They stayed, they played their cricket, they were in this bubble, which I was in, and yes it wasn’t fantastic, but it was better than going out into society where we knew Covid was and without any vaccinations for anyone.
"And yet they stayed, they played, they honoured what England wanted them to honour, to save England’s butt, to put it mildly. So did the West Indies. And you have an opportunity now to try to repay to a small degree what Pakistan did."
Last summer, Holding took aim at the ECB's "lame" excuse for not taking a knee before matches, a gesture that was curtailed after the West Indies and Ireland tours.
And he feels the treatment of Pakistan and the explanation for the withdrawal is another example of the governing bodies' ineptitude.
Holding is calling time on 31 years in the commentary box, which followed a 15-year playing career
“[The statement is] rubbish. I wouldn’t even pay attention to that statement, it doesn’t wash with me. I cannot even with those Mickey Mouse statements - no substance. Nobody wants to come forward and face up to anything because they know what they did was wrong, so they put out a statement and hide behind a statement.
"It just reminds me of the rubbish they did with Black Lives Matter. I won’t go back into that because I’ve said enough about that. But what that signal sends to me, is the same western arrogance. I will treat you how I feel like treating you, it doesn’t matter what you think, I’ll just do what I want. Four days in Pakistan? I’m absolutely sure they wouldn’t have done that to India, because India is rich and powerful.”
The International Cricket Council also came in for criticism, for what veteran of 60 Tests and 102 one-day internationals called over-commercialising the sport.
“The ICC right now are a production company," Holding stated. "They manage their events, make a lot of money from their events, but they do not manage the game. This game is not being managed by the people responsible for managing the game.
"What they are trying to do is manage the money that the game can bring in, not the game – and that is very disappointing. I said this to my boss at Sky this summer. I said 'this great game that made me what I am, I am very disappointed in it, I am disappointed in the people running it, and I won’t miss it when I go.'"
The CWC judging panel praised Holding’s fight for equality in their citation, stating: “In the last 18 months, his searing words on racism and the Black Lives Matter movement have opened eyes and ears around the world."
Holding and fellow colleague Ebony Rainford-Brent, the ex-England women international, added cricket's voice to the BLM movement in 2020 with an inspirational video during the first England v West Indies Test that included their own experiences of racism and prejudice.
The video of the first-hand accounts received wide acclaim. Sky Sports won a BAFTA for their coverage and both were awarded Freedom of the City of London.
“I was not a very emotional person, per se," Holding explained of the compilation. "When I did commentary, I never got carried away, I was reasonably measured. When people heard me saying what I said and being so emotional, and getting so deeply involved, I think they realised that this man - who is almost blasé - to be getting involved and saying as much as this meant they had to listen. That was good, that people recognised what I was saying, and that they were happy to listen.”
He added: “I wish the politicians would be a little more open-minded and be a little bit more willing because they are the policymakers. They direct policy and a lot of policies we have in place need to change. A lot of the curriculums in schools need to change to reflect everything. Not just what suits one set of people. I think that’s where we need to appeal to those people, and for them to recognise that things need to change.”
Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.
Posted by Alex on 10/10/2021 at 01:47
There is a wiff of hypocricy here. I first remember Holding being denied Ian Chappell's wkt at the SCG with a nick we could hear in the stands but the umpire gave not out. Turned into one of the great bowlers and great commentators, but the game he is so nostalgic about was based on 12 overs an hour of bodyline, recklessly indifferent (at best) to the batsman's safety. Good to speak out about racism, but did he speak up for Charlie Davis or the Indian origin Windians who never seem to get picked in his playing days? And for all the kindness and hospitality I enjoyed when hitching round Pakistan, sadly its now an ISIS friendly corrupt failed state, too risky for Western countries to tour. He's right about the admin though!
Posted by Richard Eaton on 10/10/2021 at 01:05
Hope more players and commentators speak up rather than play, grab their money and stay silent about critical issues. Retain editors of the Cricketer magazine could get on board and drop their pompous attitude
Posted by Chris Coke on 09/10/2021 at 20:39
My wife and I have been truly honoured to be regarded as friends by Mikey and his wife Laurie-Ann. We met them on a cruise in 2004 in the West Indies. We were in a quiz with them and I commented on his orange shirt. On arriving in Antigua he arranged without my knowledge for another identical orange shirt to be delivered to our cabin for me. We have met them many times since and his integrity and sincerity are truly moving. If we met him for a meal-often at Trent Bridge - he would always accompany us back to our car afterwards to see we were OK.
Posted by David hines on 09/10/2021 at 20:27
Won’t be missed a bore and a fast bowling bully ,who took packers cheques ,tomorrow’s chip wrappers
Posted by Mike Bull on 09/10/2021 at 19:05
All best for your retirement! You were spot about the game Best wishes
Posted by Mike Bull on 09/10/2021 at 19:02
Thanks Michael, for the memories, you were spot on ! Best wishes for your retirement
Posted by Bryan Little on 09/10/2021 at 16:44
With the departure of Michel Holding from the Sky commentary box we will be moving toward the end of an era - luckily Bumble remains. Michael thank you for the great entertainment you gave when playing and for adding depth to the commentary over so many years
Posted by Marc Evans on 09/10/2021 at 13:56
I'm tired of his sanctimony. All this from a player who was quite prepared to be Clive Lloyd's leading bodyline specialist, epitomised by his bowling to 40 year olds Close and Edrich at Old Trafford on that infamous evening, something he has never apologised for, which would not be allowed now. Move with the times Michael, cricket always does. I'm close to his age and although I don't like the present crop of marketeers in charge you make the best of it as international sport in general becomes, like society, increasingly money driven. It's no reason to turn your back on it.
Posted by C Charlton on 09/10/2021 at 13:30
I lost a lot of respect for this man over the years, he was a bully on the pitch and now bites the hands that fed him, he played and took packers money , a hypocrite
Posted by Norman Dugdale on 09/10/2021 at 13:19
Lets face it folks, Holding hits the nail right on its head!
Posted by Stephen Lockwood on 09/10/2021 at 13:13
If only the likes of Michael Holding were the ones managing our beautiful of all games. He is spot on regarding the shameful decision of the ECB to pull out of just 4 days cricket in Pakistan mindful that they saved our 2020 season. If it was not for them (and the West Indies) the ECB would be skint and a number of Counties would be out of business.
Posted by Lloyd Birch on 09/10/2021 at 12:39
Totally agree with Michaels' comments regarding the idiots running our game. Shambolic.
Posted by Robert Ellam on 09/10/2021 at 10:27
Michael so Wright the game we love is being ruined my short one day games and money. Its going just like the football.
Posted by Everton walker on 09/10/2021 at 03:12
Have a great retirement Mikey. One love ❤
Posted by Govindarajan Narasimhan on 08/10/2021 at 07:59
Sour grapes. Michael always has grudge against india. It was qiute unnecessary to sling mud at India. They did not ask NZ & EWCB to pull out of pakistan tour. Any way your commentary wont be missed either and you have not been honestnwith your job with sky. Wishing you all the best . Dont come back.
Posted by Safir Siddiqui on 08/10/2021 at 02:58
The game has been brought to such a disrepute by selfish minders of the game that a reverse gear is impossible.The cricket Great has justifiably lamented such a sorry state of affairs. Dirty commercialization has over taken the glory of the game.
Posted by Akeem Cave on 08/10/2021 at 01:24
Plain ans simple, the white rulers of the modern world are afraid of change. They fear that their privelaged positions would be reversed. Michael Holding is so much on the button and I wish other Afrikhan Cricketers and Sports Writers and Commontators would speak out as well.
Posted by Ashton on 07/10/2021 at 22:25
Mikey can't agree with you anymore. You are spot on as usual. The treatment of Pakiston is only because of who they are in the eyes of the ECB. A real shaneful act. Weldone Mikey, you played a full and unbeatable innings. Among the greatest the dports as ever seen, both on the field and in the commentary box.
Posted by Terry. Gorman on 07/10/2021 at 21:14
Well said Michael a true gentleman
Posted by Nev on 07/10/2021 at 18:17
He does know when he criticises the West his own country is in the same geographic location right? He has always been a to opinionated character with average commentating skills riding on the back of his cricketing past.
Posted by Shubs on 07/10/2021 at 18:03
Dragging India into everything seems to be in fashion these days. For the record a team would visit India because they aren't likely to be killed by terrorists, not because India is "rich and powerful". I guess Holding has been living under a rock if he didn't know that Pakistan had just weeks ago installed one of the most brutal terrorist groups in history on the hapless people of a neighboring country. Perhaps to him those things are not important. Perhaps he should ask Afghans whether Pakistan should be rewarded for their behavior with the legitimacy that comes with an international sporting visit. So long Mr Holding, you were a great bowler and a great advocate for BLM, but on this issue (and some others regarding India) you're full of hot air.
Posted by Shubs on 07/10/2021 at 17:55
Dragging India into everything seems to be in fashion these days. For the record a team would visit India because they aren't likely to be killed by terrorists, not because India is "rich and powerful". I guess Holding has been living under a rock if he didn't know that Pakistan had just weeks ago installed one of the most brutal terrorist groups in history on the hapless people of a neighboring country. Perhaps to him those things are not important. Perhaps he should ask Afghans whether Pakistan should be rewarded for their behavior with the legitimacy that comes with an international sporting visit. So long Mr Holding, you were a great bowler and a great advocate for BLM, but on this issue (and some others regarding India) you're full of hot air.
Posted by zulfiqar zaidi on 07/10/2021 at 13:15
What Holdind said is truth .Newzeland left only one fake email from india threatening Player's wife or newzeland has to expose the security thread .Westerner are always thankless people.
Posted by Paul Herring on 07/10/2021 at 12:54
Michael was an outstanding cricketer and an equally effective commentator. It's disappointing to hear that cricket has become, not just commercialised, but politicised as well. He leaves the game with some sadness I think. I, for one, will miss him.
Posted by Johnny Vickerie on 07/10/2021 at 12:29
It is rare for a ‘foreign correspondent’ to challenge the views of their organisation and yet be held with respect. The integrity, of the correspondent is fundamental (along with knowledge, critical analysis, erudition etc). Therein lies the character of Michael Holding.
Posted by Stephen Tyson on 07/10/2021 at 12:01
I agree with everything Michael says he was a great player in agreat era of cricket I remember when he played and lived in Tasmania we loved him
Posted by Michael ramsay on 07/10/2021 at 10:45
Well done Michael You are a star the best cricketer I ever see in my life from the 70ths Up on tlll now I will always respect you and honour you I remember when I was a youth I always say I'm Michael holding
Posted by P Valerian Goveas on 07/10/2021 at 08:07
Cancelling the tour is bad.It is purely politics.Not sports.If it is sports they can find a way to play cricket.
Posted by plogan on 07/10/2021 at 07:36
Well said I on
Posted by Shubhobrata Dasgupta on 07/10/2021 at 03:48
Holding is correct but about my country " being rich and powerful" did happen in a day. We changed with time and worked towards achieving excellence. Sometimes we failed Our neighbour is not a safe country security most probably was in ECB mind. I will personaly miss Michael Holding in the com box. Had the opportunity of seen him play at Eden Gardens. God Bless him and he kerps Keep Going. Fantastic sportsman
Posted by Stephen Monohar Kangal on 07/10/2021 at 03:39
A most selfish statement attempting to freeze the game as a fossil. Very foolish reasons for criticising the ICC. The game made him and he did not make the game. Cricket is bigger than Holding's insularity. Let the game evolve and change to attract a following because one billion people in India cannot be wrong. The game will be soon in the Olympics Mike. You cannot stultify progress and the making of millionaires from pads to riches to cars and houses and iconic status.
Posted by Brendan Douglas on 07/10/2021 at 02:31
Love these guys. We are all human beings, Earthlings. Leave your prejudice at home
Posted by Alan Crane on 06/10/2021 at 21:49
I just have to totally agree with what Michael holding says am pretty sure that there were plenty of cricketers in the UK who would pleased to go just disgraceful
Posted by Ian Tarr on 06/10/2021 at 20:15
A great player, a great statesman for the game, a great thinker and an absolutely outstanding man. Happy retirement "Mikey" you will always be an inspiration.....many thanks.....
Posted by Alison on 06/10/2021 at 19:45
Integrity. Courage. Consistency. Honesty. Michael Holding: what an example to humanity. Respect.
Posted by Geoff on 06/10/2021 at 18:05
Michael Holding as always speaks the truth I shall miss his honest views on the game I love
Posted by Carmen Durgacharan on 06/10/2021 at 14:26
I admire this Great West Indian Cricketer..thank you Michael Holding for speaking the truth, which you always do...you will be greatly missed, too young to retire from commentary they will not be able to fill your chair, no one will say the truth as it is a 'plain speaker'...I will miss your straight talk Michael.
Posted by Jock Springer on 06/10/2021 at 14:08
Fare thee well Sir. As a proud WI who grew up revelling in your exploits on the field of play and then your incisive intellect in the commentary box, for once I'm moved actually speak. Thank you for everything. Maybe just maybe, a little change will come from your remarks just as change came from you and your comrades on the field. I doubt it but we must live in hope I suppose. And yes you are spot on as to the whys and wherefores of actions mentioned. Go in peace warrior, you served well!!!
Posted by Clayton Goodwin on 06/10/2021 at 13:23
My comment? No comment. Mikey has said all that needs to be said. Like his bowling, direct and spot on.
Posted by Robin Sen Gupta on 06/10/2021 at 11:43
What do they know of cricket who only cricket know. Holding was a fine cricketer/commentator but so much more. Hope he doesn't disappear.
Posted by JABAR HUSSAIN on 06/10/2021 at 10:53
He is a legend of the cricket. He spoke with the heart ❤️ His analysis or opinion is has deep meanings
Posted by T.K.Padmanabhan on 06/10/2021 at 10:36
I agree with Holding. This is the cricket I watched from the days of Sir. Frank Worrel,Richie Benaud & Nawab of Pataudi. Greediness for money has taken precedence than the game itself. Cricket is no more a gentleman's game?
Posted by Ross Fletcher on 06/10/2021 at 10:25
Incisive words from a fine gentleman. Enjoy your retirement Mikey.
Posted by Khurram Butt on 06/10/2021 at 10:03
Great bowler of the 70s . Spoken from the heart . Very honest , frank, and straightforward. Will be missed .
Posted by James Thompson on 06/10/2021 at 08:58
Heartfelt, searing honesty. Will those in power listen?
Posted by Syed Imran Haider on 06/10/2021 at 08:25
A slap on the face of ICC and ECB from one of the finest a cricket field has ever seen.
Posted by Muhammad Tariq on 06/10/2021 at 08:05
It's all politics. Starting from India and going through UK, New Zeland to Australia. Cricket is no more a game of ethical people. It's all gambling now !!!
Posted by Syed Imran Haider Zaidi on 06/10/2021 at 06:54
A slap on the face of ICC and ECB from one of the finest a cricket field has ever seen.
Posted by Syed Imran Haider Zaidi on 06/10/2021 at 06:53
A slap on the face of ICC and ECB from one of the finest a cricket field has ever seen.
Posted by Syed Imran Haider Zaidi on 06/10/2021 at 06:49
A slap on the face of ICC and ECB from one of the finest a cricket field has ever seen.
Posted by Parvez on 06/10/2021 at 06:11
Indian are dictating ECB and it's time Pakistan stand up and be counted. As long as the Indians are in ICC the game will be corrupted and both ICC and ECB are most corrupted already, it doesn't take much to act as they done against Pakistan. Pakistan did everything possible to revive there cricket in and out of Pakistan but Indian have always been against Pakistan. Indians should be kicked out of ICC and ICB, ECB should be made to pay for damages they cause. ICC should also come clean and rid of corruption within too.
Posted by Hamza Haroon Rana on 06/10/2021 at 00:07
Respect for Mr holding from Pakistan.
Posted by Simon Labertouche on 05/10/2021 at 22:35
Farewell to a true gentleman and great of the game. Immense player and thoughtful and incisive commentator. He is also absolutely correct in his remarks concerning the disingenuous, gutless and dishonourable ECB.
Posted by Norman Williams on 05/10/2021 at 22:02
I know Mikey, having met him as a young man even before he made the West lndies team. I am proud of him, not just for these comments but for his history of uncompromising and direct delivery of his views at all times and in all circumstances, irrespective of what the fallout might be. That is true character and integrity. We need more icons of sports and other activuties that gain wide public following to stand up and speak out: to look beyond how much earnings they may imperil by being honest. I am not any sort of an important voice in and about cricket but l agree with Mike. The beautiful game that is so representative of life's ups and downs, of the ability to stand tall and face adversity and respond with determination, skill and commitment to the team effort has been watered down to an almost meaningless commetcial spectacle. Mikey, as one Jamaican to another, bravo and well played, sir.
Posted by chris on 05/10/2021 at 21:30
A man of integrity swimming against the tide in an ocean of mediocrity and greed.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.