West Indies cricket legend Garfield Sobers dies aged 89

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: West Indies legend Sobers dies aged 89Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sobers played for West Indies, his home island of Barbados, Nottinghamshire and South Australia Published17 July 2026, 16:25 BSTUpdated 8 minutes agoLegendary former West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died aged 89. Sobers played 93 Tests between 1954 and 1974, scored 8,032 runs and took 235 wickets. An entertaining left-handed batter, Sobers scored 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958 - an effort which stood as the record Test score for 36 years.

He was also a brilliantly versatile bowler, who bowled spin and seam. Sobers, who also played county cricket for Nottinghamshire, was knighted for his services to cricket in 1975. He was also named one of Wisden's five cricketers of the 20th century.

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During his stint at Nottinghamshire in 1968, Sobers became the first player to hit a six off all six balls in an over in a first-class match. "A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers," Cricket West Indies said.

Nottinghamshire described Sobers as "cricket's greatest-ever all-rounder and an iconic figure in Nottinghamshire history". "We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers," the club said.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.