President Ali leads tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has joined Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in mourning the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, describing the Barbadian legend as an icon and the greatest all-rounder cricket has known.
Ali said Sobers’ death had brought grief across the Caribbean because the region had lost more than a cricketer. He praised Sobers’ ability as a batsman, bowler and close fielder, noting that his complete command of the game separated him from other great players.
The President said Sobers also played an important role in shaping West Indian identity at a time when Caribbean nations were finding their voice on the international stage.
According to Ali, Sobers carried the hopes of the region with grace and confidence and became a symbol of what West Indian people could achieve. He said Guyana saluted the National Hero of Barbados as one of the greatest figures produced by the Caribbean.
Ali extended condolences to Sobers’ family and the people of Barbados, saying his influence would continue through the memories of supporters and the dreams of young cricketers across the region.
Cricket West Indies President Dr Kishore Shallow also described Sobers as the greatest cricketer the world has seen, pointing to his unmatched ability in batting, bowling and fielding.
Shallow said Sobers emerged during an important period in Caribbean history and gave people across the region and diaspora renewed confidence in what was possible. He added that Sobers became more than a sporting icon and represented Caribbean excellence, resilience and possibility.
The CWI President also recalled benefiting from the Sir Garfield Sobers International Under-19 Cricket Tournament as a young player. He said Sobers later shared encouragement, wisdom and support with him, which remained an important part of his own journey.
CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring said Sobers represented West Indies cricket at its best through his bold, innovative and consistently high-quality performances.
Dehring said the former West Indies captain established a standard that continues to influence players selected to wear the maroon. He also remembered Sobers as a gracious and approachable figure who continued to share his knowledge and encourage young players after his playing career ended.
The GCB said Sobers was a symbol of West Indian pride, unity and excellence whose ability as a batsman, bowler and fielder established him as the complete cricketer.
The board noted that his achievements inspired generations across Guyana, Barbados and the wider Caribbean while helping establish the West Indies as a respected force in international cricket.
The GCB extended condolences to Sobers’ children, grandchildren, relatives and loved ones, as well as the Government and people of Barbados, the Barbados Cricket Association and the wider West Indian cricket family.
CWI said Sobers’ passing represented an immeasurable loss, but his legacy would remain wherever cricket is played and whenever a young West Indian dreams of representing the region.