The Barbados Nation today reported that the legendary Sir Garry passed away this morning at around 9:20 at the age of 89, just 11 days before his 90th birthday.
Sobers, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, died at his Highgate, St Michael home, his son Daniel confirmed, the newspaper reported.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said: “It is with profound sadness that I join Barbados, the Caribbean and the cricketing world in mourning the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, our Sir Gary.
“From Bay Land to Kensington and onto the world stage, he carried Barbados and the West Indies with distinction. He made us all stand a little taller as Barbadians, and I will always be grateful for what he gave to our country and our people.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him.
“Today has been declared a Day of National Mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast, no official functions will take place, and details of the State Funeral will be announced.
“Barbados stands. The West Indies stand. The world stands.
“Well played, Sir Gary. Well played”.
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF CRICKET WEST INDIES, DR KISHORE SHALLOWON THE PASSING OF SIR GARFIELD SOBERS
There are moments in the story of a people when the life of one individual becomes woven into the hopes, dreams, and identity of generations. Today, the Caribbean mourns the passing of such an individual, The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers NH, AO, OCC, a son of Barbados whose extraordinary journey became part of the story of our region and whose brilliance carried the name of the West Indies with distinction across the world.
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. 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.
As a young cricketer, I was fortunate to benefit from Sir Garfield Sobers’ contribution through the Sir Garfield Sobers International Under-19 Cricket Tournament. I remain grateful not only for that opportunity, but for the encouragement, wisdom and support he personally shared with me over the years. His kindness and influence will forever remain a treasured part of my journey.
Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world.
On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and people of Barbados and all those across the world who mourn his passing.
The ICC has also paid tribute:
ICC MOURNS THE PASSING OF SIR GARFIELD SOBERS
Media Release
The International Cricket Council has expressed grief at the passing of legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers who passed away just days before his 90th birthday.
Mr. Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: “Today, the cricket world has lost one of its greatest icons. Sir Garfield Sobers was not only the finest all-rounder the game has ever known, but one of the greatest cricketers in history.
“His remarkable ability to influence a match in every facet of the game set him apart from his peers. Whether with the bat, ball or in the field, Sir Garfield embodied excellence, and his achievements continue to define the standard to which generations of cricketers aspire. Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments on the field, Sir Garfield was a true ambassador for our sport. His legacy extends far beyond records and statistics. He helped shape the identity of West Indies cricket during one of its most celebrated eras and leaves behind an indelible mark on the history of our game.
“On behalf of the International Cricket Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Sir Garfield’s family, friends, Cricket West Indies and cricket fans around the world. He will be remembered with immense admiration and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come..”
Widely acclaimed as the best all-rounder across eras, Sobers was an attractive batter and could bowl both pace and spin. He was also very highly rated as a fielder in the close-in as well as in other positions.
Sobers, who made his first-class debut at the age of 16 and played international cricket within a year, registered what was then the highest Test score of 365 not out at the age of 21. He was the first batter to hit six sixes off an over in a first-class game.
In an international career spanning two decades starting from 1954, Sobers played 93 Test matches in which he slammed 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. His aggregate of 8032 Test runs was also a record until Geoffrey Boycott got past the mark many years later. Sobers finished with 235 wickets and held 109 catches in Tests.
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