Former Sri Lankan cricket greats have paid heartfelt tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies all‑rounder whose passing has left the cricketing world in mourning.

Arjuna Ranatunga recalled how Sobers was instrumental in shaping his career from the very beginning. 

“The passing of Sir Garfield Sobers is such devastating news for the cricketing world. There have been many who have made such a significant impact in cricket, but none who can match the legacy of Sir Gary.  He was, without a doubt, the greatest cricketer of all time. I was very fortunate to have met Sir Gary in my youth. Had it not been for his persistent guidance, I may have not become the cricketer I turned out to be. I was lucky to have attended his 80th birthday celebration, 10 years ago. He would’ve been 90 at the end of this month. A leader of a class of his own, Sir Garfield was a mentor to most, but to me he was a dear friend. Sir Gary saw potential in me when no one else did. My achievements are a reflection of his legacy. The legacy of Sir Gary will live on in our memories,” he said in a post on social media. 

“He brought me from nowhere and cleared all the roads for me. I’m here today because of him,” Ranatunga said in an earlier interview, noting that Sobers had picked him as an 18‑year‑old for his inaugural Test and later ensured his return when he was dropped. 

Ranatunga added that Sir Gary saw potential in him when no one else did and that his achievements are a reflection of the late cricketer’s legacy.

Sanath Jayasuriya described Sobers as a towering figure in cricket who shared a special bond with Sri Lanka. 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever known. His contribution will never be forgotten,” Jayasuriya said, extending condolences to Sobers’ family and the global cricket fraternity.

Angelo Mathews called Sobers “an icon whose talent, humility, and legacy have inspired generations,” adding, “Sir Garfield Sobers wasn’t just one of cricket’s greatest, he set the standard for greatness.”

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences. It noted that Sobers had served as coach of the national team in the early 1980s, including during the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

 “Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the entire cricketing fraternity of the country, extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family of Sir Garry Sobers during this time of profound loss,” the statement said, adding that his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations worldwide. (Newswire)

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Players and officials at the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 will observe a minute’s silence before today’s matches at the SSC Grounds, Colombo, as a mark of respect for the late Sir Garfield Sobers. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced that cricketers from all participating teams will also wear black armbands in tribute to the legendary West Indies all‑rounder. 

Issuing a statement, SLC expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer and one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever produced. 

SLC said Sir Garry shared a special and enduring bond with Sri Lankan cricket, as he served as the coach of Sri Lanka National Team during the early 1980s, including the 1983 Cricket World Cup. 

“Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the entire cricketing fraternity of the country, extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family of Sir Garry Sobers during this time of profound loss,” the statement said.  

SLC added that his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers around the world. (Newswire)

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