West Indies Players To Attend Sir Garry Sobers' Funeral Following Test Victory Over Pakistan
Cricket icon remembered after memorable Test victory.
Members of the West Indies Test squad based in Barbados will return home on Wednesday to attend the state funeral of legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers at Kensington Oval. The players will travel from Trinidad and Tobago just hours after securing a memorable 90-run victory over Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The funeral coincides with what would have been Sobers' 90th birthday, adding further significance to the occasion.
The contingent will include Test captain Roston Chase, white-ball captain Shai Hope, vice-captain Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, Joshua Bishop, and assistant coach Floyd Reifer. Their travel has been facilitated with the support of the Barbados government. They will also be joined by a senior Cricket West Indies (CWI) delegation led by President Dr. Kishore Shallow and Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring, along with several regional cricket administrators.
In a statement, Dr. Shallow described the opportunity for the Barbadian representatives to attend Sobers' state funeral as a deeply meaningful moment for West Indies cricket. He said the team's victory over Pakistan reflected the courage, resilience, and skill that defined Sobers' illustrious career and inspired generations of cricketers. He also thanked Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and her government for facilitating the players' return to honour one of the sport's greatest icons.
Also Read: Twenty Reportedly Killed In Pakistan Forces' Crackdown Across PoK
Widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, Sir Garfield Sobers passed away on July 17 at his home in Highgate Gardens at the age of 89. His state funeral is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. local time at Kensington Oval and is expected to draw regional heads of state, CARICOM leaders, and several legendary West Indies cricketers, including Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richie Richardson, and Brian Lara.
Ahead of the funeral, Sobers' body lay in state at the Parliament Buildings in Bridgetown, allowing thousands of fans and citizens to pay their final respects before it was moved to the stadium. His passing marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in cricket history, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the world. The presence of the West Indies squad at the state funeral underscores the enduring influence of Sir Garfield Sobers on Caribbean cricket and his lasting legacy as one of the game's greatest-ever players.
Also Read: India Calls Pakistan Media Reports On Upstream Intervention Technically Untenable
