The Caribbean and the cricketing world paused in admiration today as The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, the incomparable icon of West Indies cricket, celebrated his 89th birthday. Revered as the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen, Sir Garry’s influence transcends eras, generations, and borders.
From his early days in Barbados to global cricketing superstardom, Sir Garfield’s genius with both bat and ball has inspired millions. On this milestone birthday, tributes flowed from around the world, but none more heartfelt than that from West Indies legend Joel Garner.
Garner, the towering fast bowler and chairman of the Cricket Legends of Barbados (CLOBI) said Sir Garry set the standard.
“He was the ultimate cricketer. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do on the cricket field. He showed us and the entire world what West Indian greatness looked like. He was not only a master batsman and bowler, but a statesman of the sport. I want to salute him on his birthday”.
“As a young boy in Barbados, you dreamt of being like Sir Garry. He gave us pride. You knew that when he was playing, the West Indies were in safe hands. He lifted us all. Today we want to show our immense appreciation for what he did and celebrate his 89th birthday.”
Sir Garfield Sobers’ legacy is not only in the statistics of 8,032 Test runs, 235 wickets, and that immortal 365 not out, but also in the spirit he ignited across the shires of this region and around the sporting world. He won numerous awards for his cricketing prowess including Wisden Cricketer of the Century 2000, Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1964, as well as being an inductee in the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame. (PS)
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