'A true icon of the game': BCCI pays tribute to Garry Sobers with throwback video

Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket, has died at the age of 89. His passing was confirmed by his son, Daniel, shortly after reports emerged of his death on Friday. Born in Barbados, Sobers had recently celebrated his 89th birthday just ten days prior, marking a poignant end to a life deeply intertwined with the sport he helped elevate to global prominence. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an emotional statement paying tribute to Sobers, calling him "a true icon of the game" and one of cricket's greatest-ever all-rounders. Accompanying the message was a video capturing a recent encounter between Sobers and members of the Indian cricket team during their tour of the West Indies in 2023. The BCCI expressed deep sorrow over his death, extending its condolences to his family, friends, and the wider cricketing community. It described Sobers' contributions as having left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. The cricketing world swiftly responded to the news of Sobers' passing, with Cricket West Indies issuing a heartfelt farewell to one of the sport’s most revered figures. They described the moment as "a great innings coming to an end," vowing to remember Sobers "in our hearts, now and forever." Widely acknowledged as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, Sobers was known for his exceptional versatility, excelling as a left-handed batsman capable of bowling left-arm pace, orthodox spin, and wrist spin with equal mastery. His prowess extended beyond the bat and ball, as he was also recognized as one of the finest fielders of his time. His influence is further immortalized through the ICC's highest individual honor in men's cricket, the Sir Garfield Sobers Award, presented annually to the outstanding men's cricketer across all international formats. Sobers' career spanned nearly two decades, during which he represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974. Over this period, he scored an impressive 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries. With the ball, he took 235 Test wickets, reinforcing his status as one of the most complete players in the game. One of his most iconic performances came in 1958 when he scored an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan at Sabina Park, surpassing Len Hutton's then-world record for the highest individual Test score. This record remained unbroken for 36 years until Brian Lara eclipsed it in 1994. Another defining moment in Sobers' career occurred in 1968 when, playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, he achieved a historic feat by hitting six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket, a milestone attributed to Malcolm Nash. Throughout his extensive first-class career, which included 383 matches, Sobers accumulated 28,314 runs and claimed 1,043 wickets. His contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 1975 when he was knighted for his services to cricket. In addition to the BCCI and Cricket West Indies, notable figures such as Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar expressed their grief over Sobers' passing, acknowledging that cricket had lost one of its greatest ever players. Tributes continued to flow from around the globe, highlighting the profound impact Sobers had on the game and the countless lives he touched through his skill, sportsmanship, and dedication to cricket. His legacy continues to resonate within the cricketing community, ensuring that his contributions remain a cornerstone of the sport's rich history.