Two of England’s most famous cricketers and broadcasters are leaving the commentary box after decades at the top of their game. David Gower and Sir Ian Botham have been part of the Sky Sports cricket commentary team for two decades, after years of success as professional cricketers. They clinked glasses at the end of the programme, toasting their ‘extraordinary’ twenty years on the commentary team. Then Sir Ian said “That’s it, I’m off”. And he was.
The two veterans have not had their contracts renewed by the Sky TV network. They describe the action as ‘being retired’ by Sky. Gower, who is 62, has described the move as ‘ageism’ – though during their last commentary session, he and Sir Ian looked back fondly on their time with Sky.
In an interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper, Gower said there was ‘an element of implied ageism’ in the decision not to renew the contract and he was disappointed not to have his contract renewed after ‘having to re-apply for my own job’ for the last two years.
He told the newspaper he felt he has suffered as a result of what he calls “rampant charge” that has seen “more diversity” within the commentary field. He and Botham will be replaced by Isa Guha, and former England batsmen Ian Ward and Nick Knight.
Gower told the Telegraph “I have been quietly rebuffed by this evolution, or so-called evolution. I would like to think that there is space for people like me. Nowadays, in the same way that diversity is very much the key, one’s definition of old is changing very quickly as well. Whatever the facts and figures, the date of birth and you do the maths… I don’t feel old. I have really enjoyed this series, because I had wanted to enjoy it, if you see what I mean.”
Since the decision not to renew the pair’s contracts, there has been an outpouring of affection from fans who say their commentary is a dying art form.
On Twitter, ‘TheCricketMan’ said “David Gower and Sir Ian Botham will hang up their microphones at the Oval this week after almost 25 years. A travesty to say the least. Their voices in the commentary box will be sorely missed.” Another tweet, from ‘SurreyPigeon” said “Hoping David Gower finds his way onto (the BBC’s) Test Match Special, it would be a great loss if he is lost to the game.. Sky need to be careful with the type of pundit they go for as his replacement.” Brett Redmayne tweeted, “Very sad moment on @SkyCricket , can’t believe we don’t get to hear Gowers elegant voice presenting cricket again. Totally short sighted by Sky and will be missed by all the TV audience.”
And with a more trenchant tweet, Michael said, “If getting rid of David Gower from @SkyCricket is the answer then what the actual f**k was the question?”