‘Bumble’ has worked at the broadcaster for 22 years

David Lloyd Sky Sports

David Lloyd has retired from Sky Sports Cricket after 22 years working with the broadcaster.

Known as Bumble, Lloyd revealed the news in a statement on 21 December, noting that the death of Bob Willis and departures of Michael Holding, David Gower, and Ian Botham from Sky in recent years have led to his decision to hang up the mike.

This year, he has faced allegations of racism from Azeem Rafiq, following the former Yorkshire player’s testimony on racism at the county to the DCMS committee. Lloyd released an apology, and the matter is under investigation by Sky Cricket.

Rafiq said: “And then personally this guy doesn’t even know me, has never spent any time with me, is talking about my personal drinking, going out and socialising.

“That was David Lloyd, he’s been an England coach, commentator, and I found it disturbing because Sky are supposedly doing this amazing work on bringing racism to the front and within a week of me speaking out that’s what I got sent to me. And I thought, “Gosh, there’s some closet racists and we need to do something about it”.’

David Lloyd retirement statement

After 22 wonderful years with Sky Cricket, I’ve decided the time is now right to pass on the microphone. It’s been an immense privilege to try and bring the sport I love into people’s homes up and down the country.

There are so many wonderful memories, so many terrific games and incredible performances. I’ve been lucky to travel the world sharing Ashes highs and lows, World Cup wins and losses, heroics and heartaches with you all.

Sharing a commentary box in Australia in 2013 with my broadcasting hero Bill Lawry was a real highlight. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, Shane Warne, Shaun Pollock and Ian Smith amongst many others.

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.

I leave the Sky box in immensely capable hands led by my pals Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ian Ward and Rob Key. To those that follow, cherish that mic. Inform and entertain so the next generation can fall in love with this wonderful game.

I’m done now with Sweet Caroline but in the words of Elton John, “I’m still standing!” Much love, Bumble.

A former player and coach for both Lancashire and England, Lloyd joined Sky Sports in 1999, shortly after he left his role coaching the England team. He grew into a key part of the commentary team, becoming known for his exuberance, humour, and passion for the game.

Sky Sports Cricket released a statement on the news: “David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has been a star of the Sky Cricket commentary box for over two decades, with an extraordinary ability to inform and entertain in equal measure.

“Bumble also played a huge role helping Sky launch Twenty20, taking cricket to new audiences in 2003 - a format that has changed the sport forever.

“Perhaps his finest hour came during the Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge in 2015 - calling Stuart Broad’s amazing performance with perfection.

“A year later he was on lead commentary during an incredible T20 World Cup finale but handed the microphone over to Ian Bishop when it became obvious West Indies were going to win.

“He is much loved and respected by his fellow commentators and production team who cherish the time spent working with him. Thank you Bumble for your service.”