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The legendary player’s passing prompted tributes from across the cricketing world, including former Indian cricketers Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah.

Sourav Ganguly described the loss as “irreplaceable” and praised Sobers’ skills as a benchmark for future generations. He wrote on

Ravi Shastri hailed Sobers as “the greatest cricketer of my lifetime,” adding, “Just watching era and contribution bar none. My hero. My inspiration. God bless your soul Sir Gary.”

ICC Chairman Jay Shah paid tribute to Sobers as a “cricketing legend” whose achievements inspired generations, expressing condolences to his family, the people of Barbados, and the global cricket fraternity. He noted, “The ICC has long recognized his legacy by naming its Men’s Cricketer of the Year award after him.”

BCCI President Mithun Manhas remembered Sobers as a “Legend” and said, “Forever in our hearts!! Rest in peace Sir Garfield Sobers.” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called him “a true cricketing legend” whose brilliance transformed the game and inspired generations.

VVS Laxman described Sobers as “a true giant of the game whose extraordinary skill, grace and sportsmanship inspired generations.” Mohammed Azharuddin called him “one of cricket’s greatest ever icons” and paid respects to his enduring legacy.

Yuvraj Singh highlighted Sobers’ record as the first man to hit six sixes in an over, praising his grace, humility and lasting inspiration. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and Virender Sehwag also paid tribute, with Sehwag referring to Sobers as “cricket’s most complete player” who was “way ahead of his times.” Sehwag added that “if he were in this IPL era, he would have been the most expensive player, without a doubt.”

Irfan Pathan expressed sorrow at losing “a true giant” and thanked Sobers for inspiring generations, while Dinesh Karthik called him “a genius, a trend setter and a true legend of the game.” Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop praised Sobers as a generous mentor and iconic leader who elevated Barbados and West Indies cricket.

Harbhajan Singh remembered Sobers as “the very definition of greatness,” whose talent and humility will inspire cricket lovers worldwide. Cricket West Indies paid homage by stating, “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”

Sobers played 93 Test matches for the West Indies from 1954 to 1974, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. He took 235 Test wickets at 34.03 and was renowned for his ability to bowl left-arm fast-medium, orthodox spin and wrist spin effectively. He was also considered one of cricket’s finest fielders.

Among his notable achievements, Sobers scored an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, which was the highest individual Test score for 36 years. He became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket in 1968 while playing for Nottinghamshire.

Sobers’ versatility was underlined by becoming the first player in Australia to achieve the season double of 1,000 runs and 50 wickets. In recognition of his contributions, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 and named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the 20th Century in 2000.

His legacy endures through the ICC’s Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded annually to the best men’s international cricketer across formats. Sir Garfield Sobers’ death marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his accomplishments continue to inspire cricketers worldwide.