Considered by many to be the greatest cricketer because he was a brilliant batter, bowler, fielder and captain, Sobers died at his home in Bridgetown, Barbados, at age 89 on Friday.
He played only two first-class matches before making his Test debut for the West Indies in 1954 and stayed there for 20 years. He captained for seven years.
Some notable reactions:
ICC chairman Jay Shah:
"Sir Garfield Sobers was not only the finest allrounder the game has ever known, but one of the greatest cricketers in history. 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. He will be remembered with immense admiration and gratitude, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come." — on X
West Indian great Michael Holding
"Sir Gary Sobers meant so much to the West Indies team, to West Indian people, to Barbados and, of course, the game of cricket," Holding said on Sky Sports.
"Although I didn't play against him, I didn't play in his era, I was just a little boy, I couldn't compare him to anything else, but, when you talk to the greats who played with and against him, you know what an icon he was."
West Indies captains Roston Chase, Hayley Matthews, Shai Hope
"As three Barbadians, we are reminded that even those who emerge from our shores can go on to represent something much greater. Sir Garry's journey from Barbados to becoming the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen remains one of the most inspiring stories in the history of our game. He showed that while our individual islands shape who we are, the West Indies provides a platform for us to unite, compete and inspire on the world stage.
Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow
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.
India great Sunil Gavaskar
"This is probably the saddest day for the game of cricket. The greatest cricketer to walk the earth has left us. No words can ever do justice to Sir Garfield Sobers the cricketer. He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up the bat or the ball as kids. Memories keep flooding back and that's what I will be holding forever close to my heart."
England great Sir Geoffrey Boycott
"Anyone who saw him in his pomp will have wonderful memories of the greatest allrounder, an icon, a once-in-your-lifetime cricketer," Boycott told the Telegraph. "I just loved the way Garry walked out to bat. He was like a panther with a purposeful, loping and confident walk. He didn't say anything. He did not need to. There was no ego. His walk let the opposition know he was there for business."
Pakistan batter Babar Azam
"Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Sir Garfield Sobers didn't just play the game he showed us what was possible in it," Azam said on X. "Generations have learned from his mastery and always will. My deepest condolences to his family and to the people of the West Indies."
Former West Indies quick Ian Bishop
"Like many others, my heart is heavy at the passing of the great Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers," Bishop said on X. "He was always generous with his time and advice to me. He elevated Barbados and the West Indian Islands to a place of great and unprecedented standing in the world through his performance and leadership on the field.
Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin
"Cricket has lost one of its greatest ever icons," Azharuddin said on X. Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers to have ever graced the game. His unmatched brilliance as an allrounder, remarkable sportsmanship, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers around the world."
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