Legendary West Indies all-rounder Garry Sobers dies at 89, cricket mourns an icon

The cricketing world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest-ever players after legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers aka Sir Garry Sobers passed away at the age of 89.

Sobers, whose extraordinary career redefined the role of an all-rounder, represented the West Indies from 1954 to 1974 and is widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers the game has ever produced.

According to reports, he died in Barbados, with his family confirming the news.

A left-handed batting maestro and a remarkably versatile bowler, Sobers played 93 Test matches, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries, while also claiming 235 wickets.

His unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958 stood as the highest individual Test score in history for 36 years before fellow West Indies great Brian Lara broke the record in 1994.

Among his many iconic achievements, Sobers became the first cricketer to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket during a county match in 1968, a feat that remains one of the sport's most celebrated moments.

Knighted in 1975 for his services to cricket, Sobers' influence extended far beyond his playing days.

The International Cricket Council honours the world's best men's cricketer each year with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, ensuring his name remains synonymous with excellence in the game.

With his unmatched ability to dominate with bat, ball and in the field, Garry Sobers leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of cricketers across the world.