BANGALORE, India, CMC – West Indies batsman Chris Gayle on Friday led tributes from Royal Challengers Bangalore to late international media icon, Tony Cozier, who passed away last Wednesday in his native Barbados.
“Firstly, I want to extend my condolences to his family,” Gayle said at a function here.
“I don’t know him personally but we have spoken on a few occasions. This is the time to reflect on his wonderful life, and to pay him the respect that he deserves.”
West Indies batting star Chris Gayle.
Cozier was universally regarded as one of the finest ever cricket writers and commentators, and came to be known as ‘the voice of West Indies cricket’ during a stellar career which spanned close to six decades.
And Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, Gayle’s teammate at RCB, said he had admired Cozier throughout his career.
“When I was young, I used to wake up early in the morning and watch Test matches in the Caribbean,” Watson said.
“I loved hearing his smooth voice. Not to be racist or anything, but I didn’t know that there were White men in the West Indies with such cool voices.”
South African batting star AB de Villiers also paid tribute to the legendary broadcaster.
“I have only spoken to him once. He has served West Indies cricket exceptionally well,” de Villiers said. “I extend my condolences to his family.”
