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Ian Bishop commentary tribute thread: What an era to be alive in!

Rana

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Jan 18, 2006
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I don’t know if this man has a separate commentary thread dedicated to him only, But he deserves one! He’s so good as a commentator! I think easily the best if not close to the best with Ian Smith.

Man I love the way this guy builds up the drama and tension with absolute gems in English. One beautiful example:

“West Indies have lost Hope!

Not all hope,

But they have lost Shai Hope!”

That was brilliant! Even a low profile, low stake T20 match between two lesser sides of world cricket can be made so epic to watch with such excellent work if the commentary is up to that level! This is what commentators must learn. It’s great to be knowledgeable about the game and impart the knowledge, but what matters is the ability to bring to life a game that can be viewed as absolute dead for those who have no understanding of its rules.

Respect!
 
“remember the name!!!!!” was perhaps his highlight

He talks in such a measured way. Almost as good as an AI tool. Not sure if he gets invited at the PSL. The guy richly deserves a pay rise.
 
“remember the name!!!!!” was perhaps his highlight

He talks in such a measured way. Almost as good as an AI tool. Not sure if he gets invited at the PSL. The guy richly deserves a pay rise.
He did commentary in PSL when it didn’t clash with IPL

You may not have noticed him because he doesn’t hype up rubbish players like Rizwan.
 
He is up there with the best in the business.

Communicates brilliantly and is able to convey the drama and tension of a match without resorting to over hyping the moment

Solid technical knowledge

A real passion for cricket no matter who is playing it

An eye for talent and wanting to see youngsters do well.

Not many commentators tick all the boxes.
 
One of the very best. I wish he would take over from Holding at Sky
Holding was a different gravy. The guy was a Test expert, lovely voice and added a lot of brilliant technical context. Plus he was no nonsense too, he wouldn’t care if his comments would pi$$ people, a group, a particular demographic, gender or nation off

Bishop’s thing is to come alive when the game is entering its tense phase. He just makes iconic moments for history!
 
Thanks for this thread, because he deserves all the appreciation.

The WI’s have plunged to new lows this century, but this guy has always remained passionate. He’s the Jim Ross of cricket, highly knowledgeable, measured and full off pure love for the game.

It will be sad the day he retires from commentary because nobody can really capture the drama quiet like him.
 
“remember the name!!!!!” was perhaps his highlight

He talks in such a measured way. Almost as good as an AI tool. Not sure if he gets invited at the PSL. The guy richly deserves a pay rise.
It was a highlight but for me not the highlight

For me the highlight was Amir to Dilshan the slow build up as Bishop acknowledges the short ball plan of the young Amir.

Then - "he's, scooped it, he's scooped it to short fine leg, straight to shazabe.....Dilshan has failed....on the biggest occasion"

He didn't over egg the moment just slow and calm, but the perfect commentary for a moment that felt like a lifetime when the ball was in the air.
 
It was a highlight but for me not the highlight

For me the highlight was Amir to Dilshan the slow build up as Bishop acknowledges the short ball plan of the young Amir.

Then - "he's, scooped it, he's scooped it to short fine leg, straight to shazabe.....Dilshan has failed....on the biggest occasion"

He didn't over egg the moment just slow and calm, but the perfect commentary for a moment that felt like a lifetime when the ball was in the air.

I get goosebumps reading your post because I went back to 2009 and you’ve really captured how Bishop made that moment that much more special, man Amir was destined for greatness, he really was worthy of the comparisons with Wasim & even he would admit he didn’t think he was that good himself at 17/18.
 
Ian Bishop will end up going down as one of the greatest commentators of all-time. He elevates any match with his commentary.

Also, when you look at the standard of commentary across the board, Bish stands-out even more.
 
Simply magnificent. The amount of research he puts into the background of a player puts some of his colleagues to shame.

Wonderful voice for broadcasting like many WI commentators. Great combination of technical knowledge and raw passion.
 
Up there with Cozier, Benaud and Greig.

I actually think he's better and as in all things sport , we just tend to hype the past a bit more.

His knowledge of local players even in associate nations in the World T20 was unbelievably good.
 
One great work ethic of bishop is that he puts a lots of effort in even knowing the rookie player be it in ipl or international game.He will dig the entire history of that player and props it up with good lines.He even wrote quite a few articles related to genuine talented players in u 19 wcs.
 
Simply magnificent. The amount of research he puts into the background of a player puts some of his colleagues to shame.

Wonderful voice for broadcasting like many WI commentators. Great combination of technical knowledge and raw passion.

The West Indians have the best voice . As a kid growing up in a very populated Jamaican area , listening to Reggae and enjoying their vibe the accent has become a norm , esp having many friends. The Caribbean commies are very professional too. A word for Fazeer Mohammed too, he is a great commie also.
 
Ian Smith
Tony Grieg

for sheer drama.

Bill Lawry is highly under rated.

Ian Chappell for his highly nuanced yet very forthright opinions on all things cricket.
 
No one combines passion, poise, and piercing analysis quite like Ian Bishop.

Whether it's a crunch World Cup knockout or a quiet evening Test, when Bish speaks, we listen. Bishop’s words carry weight. His voice rises not in hype, but in genuine awe for cricket’s unfolding drama.

His commentary is never just about runs and wickets—it’s about stories, struggles, and glory.

Calm, composed, and deeply insightful, Bishop brings more than just analysis—he brings emotion, respect, and a profound love for the sport.

“He's not just bowling to the batsman. He’s bowling to the moment.”
Describing Shaheen Afridi in full flight.
This is the kind of poetic commentary that makes you feel the game.

His iconic call during Carlos Brathwaite’s carnage in 2016:
“Carlos Brathwaite! Remember the name!”
Chills. Every. Single. Time.

What sets Bishop apart: He’s never afraid to be critical, but always with respect. He holds players accountable while uplifting the sport. That balance? Masterful.

He speaks with dignity. He honors the players, and he reminds us, every time that cricket is more than a game. It’s a stage, and Bishop is its poetic narrator.

Thank you, Ian Bishop. For your integrity. For your passion and for giving us moments that will echo through the ages.

“Cometh the hour… cometh the man.”
Long may your voice be part of this beautiful game.
 
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