The cricketing world has united in paying their condolences over the demise of renowned West Indian commentator Tony Cozier, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75.
Cozier, who was tipped by many as the 'voice of West indies cricket', was admitted to the hospital on May 3 after complaining infections in the neck and legs.
In a condolence message, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) said that Cozier would be respected all around the world for his significant contribution to the country's cricket,Sport24 reported.
Former and current international players took to micro blogging website Twitter to express their grief over the legendary cricket writer's demise.
"His voice will echo in my mind forever! Condolences to the Cozier family," South African paceman Dale Steyn tweeted.
Outpouring his emotions, former Sri Lanka batting great Kumar Sangakkara said, "Rest in peace tony cozier. A voice and presence that will be missed dearly. It was always a delight to chat and spend time with him.
Describing Cozier as the 'real voice of cricket', Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said that he felt extremely sad to hear the news, pointing out that the esteemed commentator had always discussed the game and the players in a positive manner.
"Saddened to hear about the passing away of Tony Cozier. He was the voice of WI cricket and was deeply in love with the game. May his soul RIP," former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman wrote on Twitter.
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram also expressed his grief over the passing of the great Cozier, saying that he was a commentary legend and a true gentleman.
"So so Sad ... Forget all the Great players .. Tony Cozier was the reason I loved West Indian Cricket ... #RIPTony," former England skipper Michael Vaughan said.
Cozier made his broadcast debut in 1965 by commentating on the West Indies vs Australia Test series. He was a regular member of the commentary team on the BBC's Test Match Special, Sky Sports and Channel Nine.
Cozier's father who was also a journalist, helped him find his true calling in his teenage years, and he first reported on a Cricket match when he was just 15. Over the years Cozier went on to write several books including The West Indies: 50 years of Test Cricket which was published in 1978. A former Senior Editor of the Nation newspaper, Cozier was also the editor of West Indies Cricket Annual from 1970-1991.
He was also regarded as one of the most prolific watchers of Test cricket anywhere, watching a total of 266 Tests in his 40-odd years of covering the game.
