Delhi: Sir Garfield Sobers passed away on July 17th and was cremated with full state honours on July 29th. Many former players paid tribute to him on the occasion. It is well known that Sobers is not only remembered as one of the greatest all-round cricketers, but he was an inspiration to millions around the world. His funeral took place at the Kensington Oval Stadium in Bridgetown, the same stadium where a pavilion is named after Sobers.

Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, and Desmond Haynes, along with Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and Barbados music superstar Rihanna, also attended the funeral.

Sobers’ coffin was draped in the Barbados flag. It was carried from Parliament in Bridgetown on a gun carriage in a procession, with people lining the streets to bid him farewell. Upon reaching the stadium, the coffin passed through a guard of honour of players holding cricket bats. After a day of public viewing at Kensington Oval, the body was laid to rest in Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens.

 

Sir Garfield Sobers was given a final farewell with a respect not accorded to every deceased player.

Yet, here are some more memorable farewells that remain in our memories:

1. Sir Donald Bradman (2001): At Bradman’s funeral in Adelaide, Australian political leaders, numerous sports luminaries, and, despite the private ceremony, a large number of ordinary cricket fans were present. Former Prime Minister John Howard delivered a tribute speech. Thousands gathered as the hearse passed through the streets. The Australian cricket team wore black armbands. Everyone agreed that Australia had lost not only its greatest cricketer, but also one of its greatest citizens.

 

2. Shane Warne (2022): This could perhaps be called the most emotional farewell in modern cricket. A public memorial service was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and over 50,000 people attended. Warne’s famous ‘Baggy Green’ cap was placed on his coffin. His children gave moving speeches. Elton John performed via video. Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Nasser Hussain, and Allan Border, among others, paid tribute.

3. Phillip Hughes (2014): This is perhaps the saddest funeral in cricket history.

Hughes died after being hit by a bouncer and was cremated in his hometown of Maxwell. His Test cap was placed on his coffin. His Australian teammates carried the coffin. Michael Clarke’s words are remembered as the most memorable tribute. The number 63* became a memorable mark, as Hughes was on 63* at the time of his injury.

4. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (2011): He was not only a great cricketer but also a former Nawab, the husband of a prominent film actress, and a national icon. Pataudi’s funeral was unique because it combined royal tradition, respect for cricket, and the presence of Bollywood.

After his death on September 22, 2011, his body was kept at his residence in Vasant Vihar. From there, it was taken to Pataudi Palace in Haryana, where thousands of people gathered to pay their last respects. The crowd was so large that additional police had to be called in. He was buried in the cemetery within the palace complex, next to the grave of his father, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. The presence of many film stars made the funeral even more significant.

5. Colin Cowdrey (2001): His memorial service has a unique history, making it a constant topic of discussion. This service was held at Westminster Abbey in Central London, a place where memorial services are usually held for prominent figures other than the British royal family and those associated with them. Lord Cowdrey died on December 4, 2000, and the memorial service took place on March 15, 2001, at Westminster Abbey. The fact that a cricketer was honoured at Westminster Abbey demonstrates that Cowdrey was considered more than just a player. He was considered an ambassador of cricket for his exceptional sportsmanship, excellent behaviour and humility.