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Cricket fans will be allowed free entry to Kensington Oval for the fourth and fifth One-Day Internationals between the West Indies and New Zealand on Sunday 19 and Tuesday 21 July, as part of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) tribute to iconic allrounder Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away at his home today.
Sobers, a former West Indies captain, was 89. He is an inductee in the ICC (International Cricket Council) Hall of Fame and once held the record for the highest individual score in an innings, which was eventually surpassed by fellow West Indian Brian Lara.
CWI CEO Chris Dehring said the regional board’s decision to open the gates for the upcoming ODIs is one of a series of tributes planned for the legendary cricketer and “reflects the immeasurable impact Sir Garfield had on generations of West Indians and cricket lovers around the world”.
At present, New Zealand lead the five match series 2-1, after rebounding from a seven-wicket loss in the opening ODI at Providence on 11 July.
The CWI promised a full refund to patrons who already purchased tickets for the two ODIs, which “will be processed within seven days”.
Photo: AFP/ Getty.
“Sir Garfield Sobers belonged to all of us,” stated Dehring. “While Barbados was his home, his brilliance united the Caribbean and captivated the cricketing world.
“Kensington Oval is a fitting place to honour his life and incomparable career, a venue where so many unforgettable chapters of his remarkable journey were written. We want every individual in Barbados to have the opportunity to come together as one cricket family to honour a man who inspired millions and whose legacy will live forever.
“These matches will be more than international cricket fixtures—they will be celebrations of an extraordinary life and a chance for all of us to say thank you to the greatest cricketer the game has ever known.”
The following is a statement from the CWI on Sobers’ passing:
Cricket West Indies joins the people of Barbados, the wider Caribbean, and the global cricket community in mourning the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, a towering figure whose influence on our game and our region can never be overstated.
Sir Garfield was more than the greatest all-round cricketer the world has ever seen. He was the embodiment of West Indies cricket at its finest, bold, brilliant, innovative and unapologetically excellent.
His extraordinary achievements transformed the way the game was played and inspired generations of cricketers to dream beyond what had once seemed possible.
For those of us entrusted with leading Cricket West Indies today, Sir Garfield’s life serves as both an inspiration and a responsibility. He established a standard of excellence that continues to define the aspirations of every player who wears the maroon.
His legacy reminds us of the immense potential of Caribbean cricket when talent, purpose, and pride come together.
On a personal level, he inspired all of us from early childhood to fall in love with this wonderful institution called West Indies cricket. As children we imitated his unique walk, with our collar turned upwards—even if we couldn’t imitate his incredible skill.
He remained gracious, approachable, and deeply committed to the continued growth of West Indies cricket. He generously shared his wisdom, encouraged young players, and remained a passionate advocate for the game throughout his life.
His passing is an immeasurable loss, but his legacy is eternal. Every generation of West Indies cricketers, administrators and supporters will continue to draw inspiration from the remarkable example he set—not only through his records and accolades, but through the dignity, humility and pride with which he represented the Caribbean.
(Copyright Getty Images.)
On behalf of everyone at Cricket West Indies, I extend our deepest condolences to Sir Garfield’s family and loved ones, to the government and people of Barbados, and to cricket fans around the world. We mourn with you, even as we celebrate a life that forever changed our sport and elevated the name of the West Indies on the world stage.
Sir Garfield Sobers will forever remain one of the greatest ambassadors our region has ever produced. His legacy will endure wherever cricket is played, and his spirit will live on every time a young West Indian dreams of wearing the maroon with distinction.
May he rest in eternal peace.
The following is a joint statement from West Indies cricket captains Roston Chase, Hayley Matthews and Shai Hope:
Today, the cricketing world mourns the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, a name forever associated with excellence, greatness, and the highest ideals of our sport.
As three Barbadians, we are reminded that even those who emerge from our shores can go on to represent something much greater. When we take the field representing the West Indies, we carry the hopes, pride, and aspirations of an entire region.
(via Wisden.)
Sir Garry’s journey from Barbados to becoming the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen remains one of the most inspiring stories in the history of our game. He showed that while our individual islands shape who we are, the West Indies provides a platform for us to unite, compete and inspire on the world stage.
As players entrusted with leading West Indies cricket, we recognize the responsibility that comes with following in the footsteps of those who built this legacy.
Sir Garry’s brilliance, humility, and commitment set a standard that continues to guide every generation that follows.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We celebrate a life that transcended boundaries and a legacy that will forever live in the story of cricket, the spirit of the Caribbean and the hearts of all who love the game.
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