Lloyd retires as ICC match referee

Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has retired as International Cricket Council's (ICC) match referee after officiating in 53 Tests and 133 one-day internationals (ODIs) in that role.

At a special ceremony during the lunch interval of the England-West Indies Super Eight game at the Kensington Oval here Saturday, 62-year-old Lloyd received a presentation from ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed in recognition of the immense contribution he has made to cricket during his time as referee.

Speaking at the presentation, Lloyd said: "This is a wonderful gesture by the ICC and I feel proud to have served them for such a long while. We all come to the end eventually and this is my time but it was a pleasure to have been involved with them.

"The transition from player to referee was not that difficult for me because if you believe in discipline it's obvious that you would fit quite easily into the role. I have always felt strongly about discipline in the game."

"Clive was one of the best loved and most respected players during the height of West Indies cricket in the 1970s and '80s. When he hung up his boots as a player he did not disappear from the game but became a fine administrator with the West Indies Cricket Board and subsequently an excellent ICC Match Referee," said Percy Sonn, ICC president.

"Just like when he played the game, Clive brought his own integrity and sense of fair play to his role as referee. He had the rare ability to forge good relations with the players and he always managed to retain their respect, which is so vital for match officials. We were very lucky to have him as one of our referees.

"On behalf of the ICC, I would like to thank Clive for all his hard work over the years and wish him all the very best for the years to come. I have no doubt that Clive will remain involved in cricket as he still has a huge amount to offer the game through his expertise, experience and passion for this great game," said Sonn.

As a player Lloyd was the first West Indian to reach the 100-Test milestone and as a hard-hitting batsman he scored 7,515 Test runs at an average of 46.67 with a top score of 247 not out.

Lloyd is one of the West Indies' most successful captains in history, having led his country in 74 Test matches with just 12 defeats coming during that time. He was at the helm for one remarkable run of 26 Tests without defeat and 11 successive wins. He was captain for both of the West Indies' victories in the World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

He has also officiated in 17 games during the World Cups in 1996 and 2003. (IANS)

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