Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will observe a minute’s silence before Saturday’s Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 matches at the SSC Grounds in Colombo, paying tribute to legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away at the age of 89.
In an official statement, the board also announced that players from all participating teams will wear black armbands throughout the day’s fixtures as a mark of respect for one of the greatest cricketers the sport has ever seen.
Expressing its condolences, SLC remembered Sobers not just for his extraordinary achievements on the field, but also for his long-standing connection with Sri Lankan cricket.
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“Sri Lanka Cricket expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies cricketer and one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever produced,” the board said in a statement.
Sir Garry’s special bond with Sri Lankan cricket
The governing body highlighted Sobers’ unique connection with the island nation, recalling his stint as head coach of the Sri Lanka national team during the early 1980s, including the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
“Sir Garry shared a special and enduring bond with Sri Lankan cricket, as he served as the coach of Sri Lanka National Team during the early 1980s, including the 1983 Cricket World Cup,” the statement read.
Tribute planned for LPL matches
As part of the tribute, a minute’s silence will be observed before the start of the LPL fixtures in Colombo, while players will take the field wearing black armbands. SLC said, “As a mark of respect to this legendary son of cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket will observe a minute’s silence before the commencement of today’s Lanka Premier League 2026 matches at the SSC Grounds, Colombo.
Players from all teams participating in today’s matches will also wear black armbands as a tribute to the late Sir Garry Sobers.”
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Condolences to the family
SLC also extended its sympathies to Sobers’ family, saying the entire cricketing fraternity in Sri Lanka stood united in mourning the loss of one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
A legacy that shaped generations
Widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, Sobers left a lasting impact on generations of players through his extraordinary skills with both bat and ball. His contribution to Sri Lankan cricket as a coach further deepened his legacy in the country.
Concluding their tribute, Sri Lanka Cricket said Sobers’ influence on the game would continue to resonate across the cricketing world.
“His extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers around the world.”
FAQS
Q1. Why is Sri Lanka Cricket observing a minute’s silence?
To honour legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away at 89.
Q2. When and where will the tribute take place?
Before Saturday’s LPL 2026 matches at the SSC Grounds, Colombo.
