'We are not the story, the players are' - Ian Bishop speaks on his career as broadcaster

Former West Indies fast-bowler Ian Bishop has become one of the world's most widely recognised broadcasters, mesmerising viewers and fans of the sport with his voice and extensive knowledge of even the most minute details of the game. Multiple iconic moments in the sport, such as Carlos Brathwaite's heroics in the 2016 T20 World Cup final, are remembered for his voice.

Bishop explained how he was brought into the broadcasting fold when he was invited to cover matches on the radio while he was injured. After wrapping up his playing career, he was invited to cover for the absent Michael Holding, one of the greatest West Indies fast bowlers, who also switched to broadcasting after his playing career ended.

"Look, I was asked when I was injured in 1992 to come and do some radio. I did some radio then, then I started back playing and as soon as I finished I was invited. Michael Holding pulled out of a series in the Caribbean and so I went in and I did that and one thing followed the other. I went back the next year. I enjoy broadcasting, I enjoy watching the game and I enjoy learning about the game every year and so the fit sort of was a little bit easier than before," Bishop said, speaking to Netherlands cricketer Logan van Beek on Instagram.

A hallmark of Bishop's commentary has been the extensive research he undertakes into players' lives and past careers. He spoke of the need for the world to hear the stories of the up-and-coming players.

"A lot of time, too much time. I need to find a shorter way of doing it and I'm being very serious about that because I find I have to write everything down. When I write, for me, it stays in my mind and I want to research, [Logan], unfortunately, every player in every game, in every series. I want to know where they went to school, what job they did outside of cricket, the influence of their parents, so I have to make all those notes. And I think the world deserves to hear those stories. I love those stories more than I love the numbers. That's my thing. I'm not saying everybody has to do that, so I'm always thinking about the game 24x7. That's my wife, she hates it," he said.

Speaking of what it takes to become a successful broadcaster, Bishop stated that aspiring commentators must always focus on the players and not themselves.

"Have a growth mindset. Don't think you know everything and communicate the story. We are not the story, the players are," he added.