Rihanna attended the funeral of West Indies cricket legend and Barbados National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers on Wednesday in Bridgetown, Barbados. The singer, 38, laid a floral tribute at the Kensington Oval cricket ground.
Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, died on July 17, just shy of his 90th birthday. Rihanna described him as "a legend and an icon whose legacy will inspire generations to come." She added, "Sir Garry’s legacy will live on forever, a light and inspiration to us all. Barbados loves you eternally, Sir Garry."
She noted that at 21 years old, Sobers became the youngest player to set the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket with an unbeaten 365, a record that stood for 36 years. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket.
Sobers was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, and is credited with hitting 26 Test centuries and maintaining a Test average of 57.78. His batting was described as both elegant and powerful, and he was also a versatile bowler. He held numerous records, including scoring six sixes in one over in a first-class game in 1968.
Kishore Shallow, president of Cricket West Indies, stated that Sobers "became more than a sporting icon." He added, "He became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience, and possibility. His achievements brought pride to Barbados, inspiration to the West Indies and admiration from every corner of the cricketing world."
Sobers played 93 Tests for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974, accumulating 8,032 runs, 235 wickets, and 109 catches. He captained his country a then-record 39 times and was considered the best fielder of his generation. Wisden recognized him as one of the five best cricketers of the 20th century.
Rihanna shared that she had the honor of being introduced to Sobers by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. "To his family and loved ones and cricket lovers all over the world, I hold you close in my heart during this time," she said.
Sobers's passing marks the end of an era for cricket, with his legacy expected to endure. As Shallow noted, "Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world."