In one of the biggest losses to the cricket world, Sir Gary Sobers passed away on Friday, July 17 at the age of 89. His son Daniel confirmed the heartbreaking news that the legendary all-rounder passed away just 10 days before his 90th birthday.
The West Indies legend was considered the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen. Be it batting, bowling or fielding, the Barbados hero was perfect in everything. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin defends Rohit Sharma, takes a dig at the selectors amid retirement talk.
Sir Gary Sobers dies at the age of 89
Sir Gary Sobers was not just a cricket legend, he was also a talented footballer, basketball player and golfer. Sobers breathed his last on Friday morning, July 17, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten in the sporting world.
The family of the former West Indies captain confirmed that Sobers died peacefully at his home in St Michael’s Highgate Gardens on Friday due to age-related complications.
As soon as the news broke, the cricket world came together to pay tribute to Sir Gary Sobers and social media was flooded with heartfelt messages. Cricket West Indies posted, x: “A great innings has ended. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers. 🖤🏏 pic.twitter.com/bv2MO1SJgz
– Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 17, 2026
BCCI paid emotional tribute to Sobers
In its tribute post to the West Indies icon, the BCCI shared an old video from India’s tour of the West Indies in 2024, in which Sobers can be seen interacting with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and other players.
BCCI posted an emotional message, “The BCCI mourns the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, a true icon of the game and one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders. His extraordinary achievements, lasting impact on Caribbean cricket and incomparable contribution to the global game have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace.”
BCCI mourns the demise of Sir Garfield Sobers, a true icon of the game and one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders.
His extraordinary achievements, lasting impact on Caribbean cricket and immeasurable contribution to the global game have left a lasting legacy… pic.twitter.com/5263SNLezn
– BCCI (@BCCI) July 17, 2026
Garry’s former county team, Nottinghamshire CCC, wrote on Twitter: “Cricket’s greatest all-rounder and an iconic figure in the history of Nottinghamshire. We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.”
Sir Gary Sobers’ journey in numbers
Sir Gary Sobers was one of the greatest all-rounders. He scored 8,032 Test runs at an average of 57.78, including a record score of 365* which had not been broken for 36 years. The former fast bowler, who was also a left-arm spinner and wrist spinner, also took 235 Test wickets.
He was also the first player to hit six sixes in a first-class over in 1968. Gary was later knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 and honored as a Barbados National Hero and Wisden Cricketer of the Century.
