Cricket world mourns death of West Indies great Garfield Sobers at the age of 89

Regarded by many as the best allrounder to ever play the game, Sobers represented West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974 - scoring 8032 runs at an average of 57.78 and took 235 wickets at 34.03.

The ICC's premier annual award in men's cricket - the Sir Garfield Sobers Award - is named in his honour and recognises the most outstanding overall performer in men's international cricket across all formats.

Jay Shah, ICC chairman, said: "Today, the cricket world has lost one of its greatest icons. Sir Garfield Sobers was not only the finest all-rounder the game has ever known, but one of the greatest cricketers in history.

"His remarkable ability to influence a match in every facet of the game set him apart from his peers. Whether with the bat, ball or in the field, Sir Garfield embodied excellence, and his achievements continue to define the standard to which generations of cricketers aspire. 

"Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments on the field, Sir Garfield was a true ambassador for our sport. His legacy extends far beyond records and statistics. He helped shape the identity of West Indies cricket during one of its most celebrated eras and leaves behind an indelible mark on the history of our game.

"On behalf of the International Cricket Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Sir Garfield's family, friends, Cricket West Indies and cricket fans around the world. He will be remembered with immense admiration and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."

In 1958 Sobers hit the highest individual score in Test cricket with 365 against against Pakistan at Sabina Park in Jamaica, a record that stood until 1994 when it was broken by fellow Windies batter Brian Lara.

Sobers was knighted for his services to cricket in 1975, and in 2000, he was named as one of Five Cricketers of the Century by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, alongside Bradman, Jack Hobbs, Viv Richards and Shane Warne.

In a statement on behalf of Cricket West Indies, the board president, Kishore Shallow said: "Today, the Caribbean mourns the passing of such an individual ⦠His mastery of batting, bowling and fielding was unparalleled, but his true significance reached far beyond the boundary ropes.

"He emerged from the Caribbean at a time when our region was finding its voice and asserting its place on the world stage. Through his excellence, he gave millions across our islands and in the diaspora, a renewed belief in what was possible.

"He showed that greatness was not confined by the size of our nations, the geography of our islands or the circumstances of our beginnings.

"Sir Garfield Sobers became more than a sporting icon. He became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility. His achievements brought pride to Barbados, inspiration to the West Indies and admiration from every corner of the cricketing world."

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