Tony Cozier dies

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Wednesday paid tribute to Winston Anthony Lloyd Cozier. The legendary cricket journalist, died on Wednesday morning in Barbados. He was 75 years old. Tony Cozier, as he was known worldwide, was the "voice of West Indies cricket" and covered the game for over 50 years.

He reported on all major events in world cricket during that period and was globally-respected for his outstanding work as a journalist, writer, historian, radio commentator and television analyst.

He was the editor and publisher of the West Indies Cricket Annual for over 20 years and the Red Stripe Caribbean Cricket Quarterly for a decade. He wrote for several publications in the Caribbean and was a contributor to the Wisden Cricket Almanack.

Tribute from the Office of the President, Board of Directors, and Staff of the WICB reads: "On behalf the WICB and the various stakeholders in West Indies Cricket we offer sincere condolences to his wife Jillian, his son Craig, his daughter Natalie, his grandchildren and other family and friends. "

"The lifelong work of Tony Cozier centred around West Indies cricket and he made a lasting contribution to the game. He ensured that West Indies cricket fans all around the world received information and knowledge about their beloved team and their favourite players. His life was dedicated to the game in the Caribbean and we salute him for his outstanding work."

"He was not just a great journalist, but also a great ambassador. He represented West Indies wherever he went. He educated people around the world about our cricket, our people, our culture and who we are. His voice was strong and echoed around the cricket world. He enjoyed West Indies victories and shared the pain when we lost. He gave a lifetime of dedicated service and will be remembered by all who came into contact with him."

Cozier was a member of the Wanderers Cricket Club, where he played cricket alongside Test players Geoffrey Greenidge and Richard Edwards, as well as the late Peter Short, former President of the WICB.