CPL wants to use Kensington Oval final to honour Sir Garry

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is mourning the sudden passing of legendary West Indian cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers who died on Friday, just over a week shy of his 90th birthday.
In his statement, CPL’s CEO Pete Russell mourned Sobers’ passing and remembered him as one of the greatest players to have ever played the sport and one of the pillars of West Indies cricket.
“It is a sad day for our tournament, Caribbean cricket and everyone involved with CPL as we remember Sir Garfield Sobers,” Russell said.
“There are so many ways that we can discuss his greatness as a cricketer, a player who was outstanding in every facet of the game and one who was instrumental in laying the foundations for West Indies cricket to become a true global powerhouse.”
Sobers was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1936 and was regarded as the best all-rounder cricket the world has ever seen.
Sobers love for cricket blossomed at an early age and by age 13, he was already playing in the Barbados Cricket League.
At 16, Sobers made his debut for the Barbados national team and was selected for the West Indies a year later for a Test match against England at Sabina Park in Jamaica, the start of an exceptional career.
Sobers was not only remembered for his exploits on the field, but off the field as well.
In 1975, Sobers was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and was also made a National Hero of Barbados in 1998.
He is one of 11 Barbadian national heroes, and the first to be given the honour during their lifetime.
Russell said Sobers’ legacy will exist far beyond the cricket pitch and many will remember him as a man of honour and great character.
“More than just on the field, Sir Garry was a beacon for the people of the Caribbean off it. A man who always carried himself with grace, and despite his undoubted greatness, was always approachable,” Russell said.
“For all of us at CPL, we will not only be remembering Sir Garry as a once-in-a-lifetime player but also for his kindness and humility. He was ever present at the Kensington Oval with his beloved Jackie and he never lost his true love for our game,” he continued.
“He was always happy to give his time to those who wanted to speak to him, unfailingly gave advice to young cricketers who were making their way in the game and was generous with his time in a way that is truly remarkable for a man of his stature.”
HONOURING A LEGEND
According to Russell, hosting the final of this year’s CPL at Kensington Oval, Sobers’ former stomping ground, provides the perfect opportunity to honour his legacy.
“We know that Sir Garry would have been hugely excited that the CPL final will be coming to his cherished Kensington Oval this year and we are devastated that he will not be there with us for that match.
Russell continued, “We will be keeping his spirit alive throughout this year’s tournament and will be using the CPL final as a chance to remember Sir Garry, what he did for our game and the region and the lasting impact he had on all of the people that he met throughout his extraordinary life.”
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com