Clive Lloyd retires as ICC match referee during 2007 World Cup

Clive Lloyd, who retired as an ICC match referee on the same day as Brian Lara quit international cricket, was felicitated in a ceremony during the last World Cup Super Eights match between West Indies and England at the Kensington Oval.

Lloyd, 62, the most successful West Indian captain ever, subsequently served as match referee in 53 Tests and 133 one-day internationals. He was lauded by Malcolm Speed, the ICC chief executive, while ICC president Percy Sonn praised Lloyd's contribution as a referee. "When Clive 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 match referee," said Sonn.

"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," he added.

Lloyd, who led his side to World Cup titles in 1975 and 1979, thanked the ICC for its acknowledgement of his services. "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."

Lloyd is currently serving as manager of the West Indies team.