Cape Town - Proteas speedster Dale Steyn has paid tribute to the 'voice of West Indies cricket', Tony Cozier, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75.
Cozier was born in Bridgetown, where the press box at the Kensington Oval cricket grounds is named after him in tribute to his work as a journalist, radio and television analyst and historian.
"Cozier made a great contribution to the game," the WICB said in a statement.
"Tony covered West Indies cricket for over 50 years and was respected all around the cricket world."
Steyn, along with numerous other past and present cricketers, took to Twitter after news of Cozier's death, spread.
His voice will echo in my mind forever! Condolences to the Cozier family https://t.co/8bbVOJ7gds
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 11, 2016
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
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) May 12, 2016
Tony cozier was the real voice of cricketAlways discussed the game and the players in a positive manner sad to hear he's no more with us rip
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 12, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of the great Tony Cozier. A voice of cricket, a commentary legend and a gentleman. He will truly be missed
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 12, 2016
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
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 12, 2016
Just heard .. Tony Cozier..One of the great men of cricket has passed away ... One of the very best
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) May 11, 2016
I'm really upset about the passing of Tony Cozier. He was one of the finest the comm box has ever been blessed with and a good friend. RIP
— 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
My heart is extremely sore today. I have lost a great friend. He will leave an empty space forever. RIP Tony Cozier.
— Mike Haysman (@MikeHaysman) May 11, 2016