Andrew Leonard (commentator)

Andrew Leonard is an Irish cricket commentator, presenter and digital media expert.

Early life and career
Leonard's early passion for cricket led him to hone his skills as a player. He played cricket at Irish and Leinster Youth levels, representing Ireland in the under-19 team alongside notable players such as Kevin O'Brien, Boyd Rankin, and William Porterfield. Additionally, Leonard spent two years at the Hampshire County Cricket Club Academy in Southampton, England, where he developed his skill as a leg spinner, playing alongside Tim Tremlett, and Steve Snell.

Transitioning into administrative roles within cricket organizations paved the way for Leonard's eventual venture into cricket commentary and broadcasting. His diverse background, which includes digital, marketing, and administrative roles at the ICC and Cricket Ireland, provided him with valuable insights into the inner workings of the sport.

As he transitioned into commentary and broadcasting, Leonard continued to leverage his extensive experience and insights to provide expert analysis and commentary on cricket matches. His dedication to the sport and commitment to its growth have solidified his reputation as a leading voice in cricket commentary.

Transition to commentary and broadcasting
After dedicating much of his life to cricket and working behind the scenes with cricket organizations, Leonard made the leap into cricket commentary and broadcasting. His debut as a commentator during an international match between Ireland and Afghanistan marked the beginning of his career in broadcasting. Leonard's background in digital media and marketing, acquired during his time at the ICC and Cricket Ireland, provided him with valuable insights that enhanced his commentary and broadcasting skills. Because of his love for the associate game, Leonard started to commentate on it, catching the attention of Nepali broadcasters who invited him to join the commentary team for the Everest Premier League in 2018. Since then, he has been a fervent supporter and advocate for Nepal cricket and its fan base. His contributions to cricket commentary and broadcasting have further cemented his status as a prominent figure in the global and especially, Nepali cricketing world. Leonard serves as the lead commentator on ICC's pathway events, overseeing the broadcast of the ICC's associate pathway World Cup and T20 World Cup qualification pathways for both men and women around the world. This project commenced in 2020, marking the first time such extensive coverage was provided, with over 540 games broadcast by the ICC in collaboration with IMG. Throughout his career, Leonard has commentated on over 500 international matches, showcasing his versatility and expertise in covering cricket events from all corners of the world. He continued to expand his broadcasting portfolio by working with Sunset & Vine, a prominent production company that covers major ICC events. His involvement includes broadcasting at significant tournaments such as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in June 2023 and the 2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in January 2024. Additionally, Leonard's involvement in significant cricket events, such as the 2022 Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup in Trinidad, highlights his dedication to the sport. During the tournament, Leonard was on call when an earthquake rocked the Media Center at the Queen's Park Oval, demonstrating his commitment to providing coverage even in challenging circumstances.

To date, Leonard has provided commentary for over 500 international matches, covering various cricketing events across the globe. His extensive experience and profound knowledge of the sport have made him a highly sought-after commentator in the cricketing community.

Advocacy for associate cricket
During his tenure at the ICC, Leonard advocated for increased coverage of associate cricket matches. Recognizing the importance of providing visibility to teams beyond traditional cricketing powerhouses, Leonard worked to ensure that associate cricket received adequate attention. His efforts contributed to the expansion of coverage for associate cricket matches, aiming to showcase the talent and passion present in cricket-playing nations worldwide. Leonard continues to support the growth and recognition of associate cricket, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity within the sport.