'He was the reason I loved West Indies': Cricket fraternity pays tribute to Tony Cozier

The voice of West Indies cricket, Tony Cozier, will speak no more; the 75-year-old cricket commentator and writer passed away following a brief illness and hospitalisation in his native Barbados.

As the news spread social media exploded, with tributes to the legend. Cricket players, fans and his peers expressed shock at the news and mourned his demise.

Tony Cozier the legendary West Indies Cricket writer and commentary died this morning in Barbados. May he RIP. pic.twitter.com/3k2vnCirgu

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 11, 2016

So shocked and saddened by the news of Tony Cozier passing, a wonderful man and distinguished broadcaster. #RIP

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) May 11, 2016

What a sad day for cricket, especially WI cricket, and the fans. RIP Mr Cozier. Gone but you will never be forgotten 🙏🏾

— Dwayne DJ Bravo (@DJBravo47) May 11, 2016

Condolences go out to the families and friends of #TonyCozier That voice will forever be in my head #RIPTonyCozier

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) May 11, 2016

I remember how Tony Cozier would finish his commentary stint & go straight to the press box. Perhaps felt, that's where he truly belonged.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 11, 2016

He may not have been on the field of play but the game has lost a #TrueLegend #VoiceOfCaribbeanCricket #RIPTonyCozier

— Phil Simmons (@Coachsim13) May 11, 2016

Very sad to hear the news that Tony Cozier has passed away #RIP pic.twitter.com/LPayXy6gLS

— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) May 11, 2016

RIP Tony Cozier....a lovely man who'll be greatly missed

— Alan Butcher (@abutch58) May 11, 2016

Goodbye Sir. So sad. A good man.
Condolences to the Cozier family.#RIPTC

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) May 11, 2016

Tony's tours, where he gave the TMS team a crawl of east coast Bajan rum shacks will forever be my favourite memory of the great Tony Cozier

— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) May 11, 2016

So so Sad ... Forget all the Great players .. Tony Cozier was the reason I loved West Indian Cricket ... #RIPTony

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 11, 2016

Tony Cozier for me you were champagne on air .. #SmoothVoiceRIP #TonyCozier pic.twitter.com/cD9XURRsN0

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 11, 2016

So sad to see you go. You were an excellent commentator and a brilliant club man. We will miss you @WanderersCC RIP #TonyCozier

— Jason Holder (@Jaseholder98) May 11, 2016

Sad to hear about the passing of a commentating legend! Loved to listen to him during games involving the West Indies! RIP Tony Cozier

— Kevin O'Brien (@KevinOBrien113) May 11, 2016

Tony Cozier was only commentator able to walk seamlessly & brilliantly from the TV to the radio com box - two vastly different disciplines.

— Henry Blofeld (@blowersh) May 11, 2016

Truly sad to hear about Tony Cozier. An inspirational broadcaster and voice. A privilege to have met him @cpl Thoughts with his family

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 11, 2016

Tony Cozier: The voice of @WestIndies cricket. Gone... but never forgotten.https://t.co/WghzaC9O5v

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) May 12, 2016