WEST Indies legend Michael Holding shocked the cricketing world recently when he announced his retirement as a commentator but Sky Sports’ Director of Cricket, Bryan Henderson, has refuted that report.
After some 20 years as part of Sky’s commentary team, the highly respected bowling great apparently called time on his career.
Holding is widely regarded as one of the game's greatest pace bowlers, playing 60 Tests and 102 ODIs for West Indies from 1975 to 1987, and becoming an integral part of the all-conquering West Indies' sides of the era.
Holding had last year shed light about his future saying he was unsure how long more he could continue as a commentator.
"I cannot see myself going much further down the road at my age. I am 66 years old now, I am not 36, 46 or 56,” stated Holding.
He further reiterated, however, he could not just walk away from Sky who had done so much good for him.
Holding began his career as a commentator in 1988 in the Caribbean, and quickly brought the same grace to the commentary box as his run-up during his playing days, an approach so smooth it earned him the nickname of “’Whispering Death”.
Holding, 66, never held back from expressing some forthright opinions on the game, not least of which was he wouldn't commentate in domestic T20 leagues because he thought it wasn't cricket.
Despite the confusion over his reported retirement, tributes poured in.
Former England captain Michael Vaughn tweeted “Michael Holding is a legendary bowler..Campaigner..but even more so a GREAT guy who will be sorely missed around the Comm boxes..Happy retirement Mikie..”
India’s Little Master Sachin Tendulkar tweeted “Congratulations on a wonderful career in broadcasting, Michael Holding. Your voice will be missed by millions across the globe. I loved the way you put your point of view across, and found your opinions unbiased and balanced. Take care, stay healthy and enjoy your retirement.”
Ex-Windies quick Ian Bishop said “From the very first day I met him, Michael Holding has always been kind, understanding and encouraging to me: even when I messed up.
"I am privileged to call him friend and mentor. I will celebrate and be thankful the teachings he brought."
India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who worked with Holding on Sky's coverage of the recent England vs India Test series, tweeted: "Michael HOLDING - “Mikey” An absolute gentleman with a strong view but a soft hearted , warm person .
"The kind of person you’d walk into a war with. Spent little time with him, but made plenty of memories. Loved his straight forward nature and his warm laugh Happy retirement"
Viewers saw another side of Holding last year. The Black Lives Matter movement in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd became a moment for Holding's voice to be heard loud and clear once again.
His eloquent, heartfelt and personal piece on racism and inequality became one of the highlights of the year, eventually winning two broadcast awards in the UK.
Holding won the Royal Television Society (RTS) Award for Sports Presenter, Commentator or Pundit and the channel - best Sport Programme award.
The RTS said Holding "captured the mood of the event perfectly, bringing a personal perspective to bear on a moment of huge significance" when talking about Floyd's murder and the movement it sparked.
That led, this year, to his acclaimed book, “Why We Kneel, How We Rise” that deals with racism in sports. – Agencies, September 25, 2021
