BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The cricketing world is mourning the loss of Barbados National Hero and West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers, who died on Friday at the age of 89.
Sir Garry passed away peacefully at his home in Highgate Gardens, Barbados, just 11 days before his 90th birthday.
His son, Daniel Sobers, said the cricket icon had been battling illness for some time and was surrounded by family when he died.
“His breathing had increased and we had him on oxygen. I couldn’t believe how powerful he is; he just refused to go,” Daniel said in an interview with Starcom Network.
“This morning his rate of breaths had increased, and it came to a point where it couldn’t increase anymore and he let go. He passed peacefully and is now with Jackie, his other half, in heaven at peace.
“He put up a good fight. He is a very, very strong man, and he is deeply loved by his family and will be deeply missed.”
Born Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers on July 28, 1936, he is widely regarded as the greatest all-round cricketer in the history of the game.
He represented the West Indies from 1954 to 1974, playing 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78.
Sir Garry also held the world record for the highest individual Test score—365 not out—for 36 years before fellow West Indian Brian Lara surpassed the mark in 1994.
In addition to his batting exploits, he claimed 235 Test wickets at an average of 34.03, cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders.
In 1998, Sir Garry was named one of Barbados’ 11 National Heroes through an Act of Parliament, recognising his extraordinary contribution to cricket and national pride.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the cricketing world for a man whose legacy transcended generations and inspired millions throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
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