Grange hails Garfield Sobers as symbol of West Indian excellence
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Sport Olivia Grange says the Caribbean and the world have lost a titan following the passing of Barbados national hero and cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers on Friday.
“The Caribbean and the world have lost an absolute titan. Sir Garry was not merely a phenomenal sportsman; he was a unifying symbol of West Indian excellence, pride, and identity. He carried the spirit of our region on his shoulders and showed the world the heights that Caribbean genius could reach,” Grange said in a statement.
The sport minister said Jamaica established a special, eternal bond with Sobers.
“It was right here, on our own soil at Sabina Park in 1958, where a 21-year-old Sobers scored his magnificent 365 not out against Pakistan. That historic knock shattered the world record, stood undefended for 36 years, and forever cemented Sabina Park as the birthplace of his ultimate international stardom,” Grange said.
“We will also remember still with awe another of his mind-blowing feats. The first batsman in first-class cricket history to smash six sixes in a single over. We will recall Sir Garfield did this while playing for Nottinghamshire in England in 1968,” she added.
Grange described Sobers as a master batsman, a brilliantly versatile bowler across multiple styles and an unmatched fielder.
“He played the game with unmatched grace, flair, and a fierce determination that inspired generations of young cricketers across the West Indies and the wider diaspora.
Richly deserving, Garfield Sobers was knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket, named one of Barbados’ 11 National Heroes, and permanently honoured through the ICC’s annual Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy awarded to the world’s top cricketer. Sir Garfield Sobers did not just play for the West Indies. He defined us. He showed that small island states could produce the biggest talent,” Grange said.
