Bridgetown, July 17, 2026: Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers and the finest all-rounder in the history of the game, has died at the age of 89, Cricket West Indies announced on Friday.
Confirming his passing, Cricket West Indies posted a tribute on social media, saying: “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers,” alongside a photograph bearing the words, “Legend. Icon. Hero.”
Sobers enjoyed an illustrious international career spanning two decades, representing the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974. He scored 8,032 Test runs at an outstanding average of 57.78 and claimed 235 wickets at an average of 34.03, cementing his status as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders.
His extraordinary versatility earned widespread recognition, and in Wisden’s 1999 poll of 100 cricket experts to select the Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, Sobers received 90 votes. The only player to receive more was Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman, who secured all 100 votes.
Bradman himself once described Sobers as “the greatest cricketer of all time,” a tribute regarded as one of the highest accolades in the sport.
Sobers is also remembered for becoming the first cricketer to hit six sixes in a single over, achieving the historic feat in county cricket for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan bowler Malcolm Nash.
Nottinghamshire paid tribute to the cricketing great, describing him as “cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounder and an iconic figure in Nottinghamshire history.”
“We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers,” the county club said.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also honoured the West Indian legend, calling him “one of the greatest to ever play the game” and adding, “Forever in our hearts, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
India’s Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing Sobers as “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,” the BCCI said.
The board also shared a video of Sobers interacting with Indian stars, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, during India’s 2024 tour of the West Indies.
Sir Garfield Sobers’ remarkable career, unmatched versatility and enduring impact on world cricket have secured his place among the sport’s all-time legends, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations.
