Sobers’ Legacy Honored as West Indies Team Returns for State Funeral

Barbados is set to honour the memory of Sir Garfield Sobers with a state funeral on Wednesday, and the West Indies Test team has flown back from a triumphant series win to stand beside the cricketing legend.

The team, fresh from a dominant 90‑run win over Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, will join the ceremony at Kensington Oval at 10:00 am local time. Captain Rashad Chase and limited‑overs lead Shai Hope will be front‑and‑center, supported by vice‑captain Jomel Warick, fast bowler Justin Graves, seam bowler Kemar Roach, batsman Joshua Bishop and assistant coach Floyd Reifer.

President Dr. Kishore Shailo, accompanied by CEO Chris Deharing, will lead a senior Cricket West Indies delegation. In his remarks, Dr. Shailo emphasized Sobers’ unparalleled contributions to West Indian cricket and thanked Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for facilitating the team’s travel.

High‑profile guests will include Cricket West Indies director Anok Luis, Guyana Cricket Board chairman Bishun Das Singh and Windward Islands Cricket Board president Clement Marcelin. The guest list also features former greats Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richie Richardson and Brian Lara.

Sobers’ remains were displayed in Parliament for two days before being transferred to Kensington Oval, where the final rites will be performed with full state honours.

The event underscores Sobers’ enduring impact on Caribbean sport and the deep respect held for him across the cricketing world.