Former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara. File | Photo credit: AP
Brian Lara has called on “the entire Caribbean” to honor Garry Sobers following the death of the West Indies legend.
Sobers, widely regarded as cricket’s greatest all-rounder, died aged 89 on Friday, prompting a flood of tributes from around the world.
Among his many achievements, Sobers’ 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958 was the highest individual innings in Test cricket for 36 years.
This record was eventually broken by fellow West Indian left-hander Lara, who scored 375 against England in 1994, with Sobers coming onto the court to congratulate him after he topped 365.
Lara, who first met Sobers as a child while competing in a junior cricket competition organized by the Barbados national hero, told Sky Sports: “He was a father figure, a general, a mentor to me, so although I’m sad, 89 is a great result.
“I want to tell the entire Caribbean that we need to celebrate his life.”
He added: “In every era of West Indies cricket, there are different motivational factors. Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards wanted to become the best team in the world.
“But I read that in the 1950s and 60s the talk was about becoming independent from English rule, and Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Wes Hall were fighting for a different goal.
“Sir Garfield is the most amazing person I have ever met. Just incredible.”
Published – Jul 21, 2026 02:29 EST.