Who Is Garfield Sobers? Age, Biography and Wiki
Garfield Sobers, born on July 28, 1936, is a revered Barbadian cricketer whose impact on the game is celebrated worldwide. Known for his extraordinary all-round capabilities, Sobers made his first-class debut at the age of 16 and went on to have a legendary international career that spanned over 20 years. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, having scored more than 8,000 runs and taken over 200 wickets in Test cricket.
As of 2025, Garfield Sobers is 88 years old. Despite his age, he remains an iconic figure in the cricketing community, often invited to speak at various cricketing events and functions that honor his incredible contributions to the sport.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1936 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country |
Popularity
Garfield Sobers's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Garfield Sobers maintains a tall and athletic build typical of elite athletes. His height is approximately 6 feet (183 cm) with a weight of around 180 lbs (82 kg). Although he has stepped back from active participation in cricket, Sobers emphasizes the importance of fitness and health, which have contributed to his longevity in life and remained an inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
Sobers gained useful experience by bowling to Wanderers batsmen, including West Indies Test player Denis Atkinson, at practice in the nets and soon developed his great skill as a left arm spin bowler. More importantly for his career, he was observed by Inspector Wilfred Farmer, captain of the Police team in the BCL First Division.
Farmer offered Sobers a chance to play for the Police team in the 1951–52 season, while he was still only 15. In the 1952–53 season, Sobers was invited to the Barbados trials for the colony's tour match against the Indian touring team at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown.
He was initially selected as 12th man but then made the team itself when Frank King was forced to withdraw with an injury. He therefore made his first-class debut on 31 January 1953, aged only 16. Batting at number nine, he scored 7 not out in his only innings but made an immediate impression as a bowler, taking 4/50 and 3/92.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Garfield Sobers has been quite private about his personal life. As of 2025, it is reported that he is not publicly dating anyone, following his past marriage. He has children but tends to keep the details about his family life out of the limelight, choosing to focus on his legacy in cricket rather than his personal relationships.
At birth he had two extra fingers, one on each hand. Sobers was only five when his father died at sea in January 1942, after his ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat.
Net Worth and Salary
Garfield Sobers' net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $500,000. This wealth has predominantly come from his illustrious cricketing career, along with endorsements and appearances. Sobers has made appearances and has been associated with various cricketing events and charities, which contribute to his income.
Sobers gives an insight into the life of the club professional in his autobiography. He was paid £500 a season by Radcliffe. That was a reasonable wage but he relied on matchday collections to augment it and a good performance would boost the collection. He sometimes received as much as £50 in a collection and "that represented a massive bonus".
Radcliffe placed no restrictions on him and, when they had no game, he could play as a guest professional in other leagues throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire. He particularly liked playing in Yorkshire when he could because they would pay him £25 per appearance with a collection on top if he did well.
Career, Business and Investments
Sobers enjoyed a stellar career as both a cricketer and an administrator. He played for West Indies from 1954 to 1974, earning accolades and respect that transcended cricket boundaries. More than just a player, Sobers also contributed to cricket in administrative roles, engaging with cricket boards and serving as a mentor for younger players.
In addition to cricket, Sobers has ventured into business, investing in sports-related ventures and charitable initiatives aimed at promoting sports and education among youths in Barbados and beyond.
Overall, Sobers played 93 Tests for the West Indies, scoring 8032 runs at an average of 57.78, and taking 235 wickets at an average of 34.03. He has the fifth-highest batting average in Test cricket in the list of cricketers with more than 5,000 runs.
In his 383 first-class matches, he scored over 28,000 runs and took over 1000 wickets, having spent time with South Australia and Nottinghamshire towards the end of his career. Sobers was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket. He became a dual Barbadian-Australian citizen through marriage in 1980.
By an act of Parliament in 1998, Sobers was named as one of the eleven National Heroes of Barbados. In 2009, Sobers was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Social Network
Garfield Sobers has a significant presence on social media where he connects with fans and shares insights into his life and the game of cricket. His Instagram account, for example, showcases his past memories, cricket milestones, and contributions to sporting initiatives. He is also known to engage with fans on various platforms, further solidifying his status as a beloved cricketing legend.
Education
Sobers' education in cricket was largely self-taught, having picked up the sport at a young age while growing up in Barbados. However, his foundational education took place in local schools where he developed a love for sports. Throughout his life, Sobers has emphasized the importance of education alongside sports, advocating for initiatives that support youth education.
Garfield Sobers remains not only a cricketing icon but also a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring athletes, solidifying his legacy in the world of sports.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, Sobers made his first-class debut for the Barbados cricket team at the age of 16 in 1953, and his Test debut for the West Indies the following year. Originally playing mainly as a bowler, he was soon promoted up the batting order.
Against Pakistan in 1958, Sobers scored his maiden Test century, progressing to 365 not out and establishing a new record for the highest individual score in an innings. His record was not broken until Brian Lara scored 375 in 1994. Sobers was made captain of the West Indies in 1965, a role which he would hold until 1972.
He would also captain a Rest of the World XI during their 1970 tour of England.
