Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies captain widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, has died at the age of 89, just 10 days before his 90th birthday. His death was confirmed on Friday by his son, Daniel.
Paying tribute, Cricket West Indies wrote on X: "A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers. 🖤🏏"
Widely credited with helping establish the West Indies as a global cricketing force, Sobers enjoyed a remarkable 20-year Test career between 1954 and 1974. In 93 Tests, the left-handed batter scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. With the ball, the left-arm fast-medium bowler claimed 235 Test wickets and also featured in one One-Day International.
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Sobers created one of cricket's most iconic moments in 1968 when, playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, he became the first batter to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket. In recognition of his enduring legacy, the International Cricket Council has presented the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy to the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year annually since 2004.
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world following news of his death.
The ICC said in a post on X: "One of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game, Sir Garfield Sobers, has sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and @windiescricket as we say goodbye to an ICC Hall of Famer."
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, where Sobers achieved his historic six-sixes feat, described him as "Cricket's greatest-ever all-rounder, and an iconic figure in Nottinghamshire history," adding that it was "extremely saddened" by his passing.
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Lord's Cricket Ground also paid tribute, saying: "His stature within the game is unmatched: he set the standard by which every player is measured. Our thoughts are with his family and the West Indies cricket community at this time."
England Cricket remembered Sobers as "One of the greatest to ever play the game. Forever in our hearts, Sir Garfield Sobers."
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla called Sobers "one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever seen," saying his extraordinary achievements and immense contribution to cricket would continue to inspire generations.
Wisden recalled Sobers' record-breaking feat in 1968, calling him "an iconic cricketer," while Royal Challengers Bengaluru said the game was bidding farewell to "one of its greats," adding that his legacy transcends generations.
Fans also flooded social media with tributes, sharing memorable moments from Sobers' illustrious career, including videos of his historic six sixes in an over, celebrating the legacy of a player widely considered one of the finest all-rounders the sport has ever produced.
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