The cricket world is in mourning following the news of West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers’ death, aged 89.
Sobers, regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all-time, played 93 Tests between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets.
The all-rounder’s feats demonstrated his talents and this is further underlined by the fact he scored 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958 – a record Test score that stood for 36 years.
The left-handed batsman could also bowl spin and seam.
Sobers, who also played county cricket for Nottinghamshire, was knighted for his services to cricket in 1975.
He was also named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the 20th century.
During his stint at Nottinghamshire in 1968, Sobers became the first player to hit a six off all six balls in an over in a first-class match.
Tributes pour in for Sir Garfield Sobers
Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow paid tribute, calling Sobers a ‘symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility’.
‘In the story of cricket, there are great players. There are champions. Then, there are those rare individuals who redefine the very meaning of greatness,’ he said.
‘Sir Garfield Sobers was the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen. His mastery of batting, bowling and fielding was unparalleled, but his true significance reached far beyond the boundary ropes.
‘He emerged from the Caribbean at a time when our region was finding its voice and asserting its place on the world stage.
‘Through his excellence, he gave millions across our islands and in the diaspora, a renewed belief in what was possible. He showed that greatness was not confined by the size of our nations, the geography of our islands or the circumstances of our beginnings.
‘Sir Garfield Sobers became more than a sporting icon. He became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility.
‘His achievements brought pride to Barbados, inspiration to the West Indies and admiration from every corner of the cricketing world.’
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that Friday would be a day of national mourning on the island, as would the day of Sobers’ funeral, while extending her sympathies to his family and loved ones.
