Former West Indies cricket captain Sir Garfield Sobers has died aged 89. (Image: Getty )
Tributes have poured in for West Indian all-rounder Sir Garfield Sober, who has died. The news was confirmed on Friday with the cricket great dying just two weeks before his 90th birthday.
Reacting to the news, Nottinghamshire Cricket, where he was previously captain, paid tribute with a statement on their website. “Nottinghamshire are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, at the age of 89,” they wrote.
“Widely regarded as cricket’s greatest ever all-rounder, Sobers amassed 7,041 First-Class runs for Notts – more than he scored for any other domestic team – including 18 centuries. He also contributed 281 wickets at 25.62 with his mixture of fast-medium pace and canny left-arm spin.
“In List A cricket, he hit 2,553 runs and took 103 wickets.
“Arriving at Trent Bridge shortly after rules on overseas players appearing in the County Championship were relaxed, Sobers was immediately appointed captain, and lifted Notts from 15th place to fourth in his first summer of English domestic cricket. That season ended with Sobers becoming the first batsman ever to hit six sixes in a single over of six consecutive balls in First-Class cricket, as he put Glamorgan to the sword at Swansea.
“He topped his county’s batting averages in all-but two of his seasons with the club, whilst also remaining the fulcrum of the West Indies Test side, which he captained from 1964 to 1972. His 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958, his first Test century, remained a world record until Brian Lara struck 375 against England in 1994.
“Knighted for services to cricket soon after retiring, Sobers is one of only 11 individuals to have been awarded Barbados’ Order of National Heroes. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1964, recognised as a Cricketer of the Century by the same publication in 2000, and has lent his name to the ICC trophy for the leading men’s cricketer of the year since 2004.”
West Indies Cricket’s official X account also paid tribute. “A great innings has come to an end,” they wrote. “In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Sir Garfield Sobers has died (Image: Getty Images)
Sobers represented his native Barbados in four different sports – football, basketball and golf, as well as cricket.
Cricket fans and TV personality Piers Morgan was among those to pay tribute on social media. “The greatest all-round cricketer the world has ever seen.. a brilliant fielder in any position, a magnificent swashbuckling batsman, and both a superb fast bowler AND spin bowler,” he wrote.
“Garry was a lovely man, too, and a West Indies hero. Very sad news.”
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) posted a video of the legend meeting Indian cricketers, including Virat Kohli. They wrote: “The BCCI mourns the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, a true icon of the game and one of cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounders.
“His extraordinary achievements, lasting influence on Caribbean cricket and immeasurable contribution to the global game have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the global cricketing fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”