West Indies cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the sport’s history, has died at the age of 89 following ill health. His passing has sparked grief among cricket fans worldwide.
Sobers represented the West Indies from 1954 to 1974 and was celebrated for excelling in every department—batting, bowling and fielding. He also captained the side during his illustrious career.
In Test cricket, he played 93 matches and scored 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. With the ball, he claimed 235 wickets, making an impact with both left-arm pace and spin.
He also held a landmark first-class record as the first player to hit six sixes in a single over. Commentators often described him as more than a cricketer—an embodiment of the game itself.
Sobers was honoured with a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth. Indian cricket stars including Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, along with the International Cricket Council (ICC), have issued condolence messages.
