‘True icon of the game’: BCCI pays emotional tribute to Sir Gary Sobers with old video

New Delhi, 17 July. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has paid an emotional tribute to the demise of Sir Garfield Sobers, former West Indies captain and one of the greatest all-rounders in world cricket, and by sharing an old video, called him a true icon of the game and said that his influence will continue to inspire the coming generations. 89-year-old Sir Gary Sobers breathed his last in Bridgetown on Friday.

Former Caribbean captain Sir Gary Sobers, one of the world’s greatest all-round cricketers, dies at the age of 89

In the video shared by BCCI, Sir Gary Sobers is seen meeting members of the Indian cricket team with his partner Kelly White during the West Indies tour in 2023. The board wrote in an emotional post, ‘BCCI mourns the demise of a true icon of the game and one of the greatest all-rounders cricket has ever seen, Sir Garfield Sobers. His extraordinary achievements, his profound impact on Caribbean cricket and his invaluable contribution to the global game have left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the cricket community around the world. may his soul rest in peace.’

The BCCI mourns the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, a true icon of the game and one of cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounders.

His extraordinary achievements, lasting influence on Caribbean cricket and immeasurable contribution to the global game have left an enduring legacy that… pic.twitter.com/5263SNLezn

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 17, 2026

Sir Garfield Soberswill always be in our hearts: Cricket West Indies

In fact, as soon as the news of Sir Gary Sobers’ demise came, there was a flood of tributes from the world cricket world. Cricket West Indies bid an emotional farewell to one of the game’s biggest icons. The board wrote on social media, ‘A wonderful innings has come to an end. Sir Garfield Sobers will always be in our hearts.

A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers. pic.twitter.com/bv2MO1SJgz

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 17, 2026

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said – He was a great personality of world cricket and a true legend of the sports world.

International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah, while condoling the death of Sir Garry Sobers, wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Sir Garfield ‘Gary’ Sobers. He was a great personality of world cricket and a true legend of the sporting world. His unmatched achievements and significant contribution to the game have inspired generations of cricketers around the world. My deepest condolences to his family, the people of Barbados and the international cricket community. ICC May his soul rest in peace for a long time by naming the ‘Men’s Cricketer of the Year’ award in his honour.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield "Gary" Sobers, a towering figure in world cricket and a true sporting legend. His unmatched achievements and enduring contribution to the game have inspired generations of cricketers across the globe. My heartfelt condolences to… pic.twitter.com/yJuTyP12dp

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) July 17, 2026

Left an unmatched legacy through extraordinary versatility

No one can deny the fact that Sir Gary Sobers, one of the game’s greatest all-rounders, left an unmatched legacy through his extraordinary versatility. Apart from being an excellent left-handed batsman, he could also bowl left-arm fast, orthodox spin and wrist spin with equal proficiency. Additionally, he also made his mark as one of the best fielders in cricket.

Given annually in the name of Sobers ICC’s biggest individual honor

His impact has been forever remembered through the ICC’s highest individual honor in men’s cricket, the Sir Garfield Sobers Award. This award is given every year to the male cricketer who performs brilliantly in all international formats.