Sobers 'stood out' among the greats: West Indies legend Holding
West Indies cricket legend Sir Garry Sobers has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. Former teammate and pace bowler Michael Holding paid tribute to Sobers, highlighting his extraordinary talent, humble nature, and status as a peerless figure in international cricket.
Why it matters
The passing of Sir Garry Sobers marks the end of an era for cricket, as he is widely regarded by experts and peers alike as the most complete player to ever participate in the sport.
The late Garry Sobers "stood out" even among cricket's greats but remained humble despite his standing in the game, former West Indies bowler Michael Holding told AFP on Friday (July 18, 2026).
The Barbados-born Sobers, who has died at the age of 89, featured in 93 Tests between 1954 and 1974, amassing 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets.
Holding, 72, never played with Sobers but said he was struck by the way he was revered in the game.
"Among the great cricketers he stood out," the former paceman told AFP by phone from his Cayman Islands home.
"Look at his numbers, and they are impressive but he too was impressive. I know other cricketers whose numbers are good but who I would not be impressed by."
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