Several generations of West Indies cricketers gathered at Kensington Oval on Wednesday to bid farewell to global cricket icon the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.
Former West Indies captains Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara joined Sobers’ teammates Sir Charles Griffith and Sir Wesley Hall, legendary batsmen Sir Gordon Greenidge and the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, and renowned bowler Sir Curtley Ambrose for the final send-off.
Legendary West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards. (Photo Credit: Kurtis Hinds)
Sir Vivian Richards said he was honoured to be there for what he described a significant occasion for the cricket fraternity worldwide.
“You know he meant so much to us as an individual. I can speak personally for myself, and the inspirational factor he held for me as a young man growing, enough cannot be said about what this guy really meant to us, he’s just a huge inspiration.
“I’ve always said whenever I’m going to do anything motivational, that you must look at the facts and who would have laid the foundation. The individuals you know who would have set that particular platform.
“I’m hoping that what this individual would have achieved that we may continue to believe that it isn’t about only now, but also for the younger ones who are looking to represent West Indies in the future. There are folks who would have laid the foundation and certainly Sir Garry comes into that.”
The Barbadian players on the West Indies team led by captain Roston Chase, flew into the island late Tuesday night to attend the funeral, after the regional side’s victory over Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy — on what would have been Sir Garry’s 90th birthday.
The team were warmly recognised by the audience at the Oval, after being pointed out by Prime Minister Mia Mottley during her address.
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara. (Photo Credit: Kemar Holder)
Lara paid tribute to Sobers who had played an important role in his career and that of others.
“Sir Garfield Sobers personally coached and inspired generations long after he was gone. Over the last few days I struggled with what I would say today, but now I’m here, I realised that this is not a sad moment, this is a moment for us to celebrate.
“Today we celebrate a remarkable life. The life of the greatest all-round cricketer and looking at this beautiful Oval, I believe we truly have a life to celebrate.Today, we pay tribute to a man that could have done it all.”
For him, Sir Garry was not just a sporting icon who through his exploits inspired many West Indians but a personal mentor and friend.
He went on to describe Sobers being on hand in Antigua, as he broke his record for highest score in test cricket.
“That unique walk of Sir Garry entering the field was something very, very special to me. To have the man that was my mentor, the man that believed in me being there was something very special.”
According to Lara, Sobers was also there for him during challenging periods in his career.
“I remember I was in Jamaica and I called and asked him a few things about my batting and he listened for a few minutes and said, ‘I will be on a plane tomorrow and I will come and see you’.”
Lara said that true to his word, Sir Garry met him the next day during a West Indies practice session and offered suggestions on how he could improve.
Reflecting on Sobers’ deep love for West Indies Cricket, Lara said the anniversary of his 100th birthday in ten years time, should be of even more special significance.
“I would like authorities to create a Sir Garfield Sobers initiative, so that when we return in ten years time, we might be celebrating a true resurgence in West Indies Cricket.”
(KH)
The post West Indies cricket royalty turns out in full force at Kensington Oval appeared first on Barbados Today.
