Sir Garfield Sobers is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played the game. In recent times he has been an avid supporter of the Caribbean Premier League and enjoyed his home island Barbados winning last year’s competition.
We caught up with the 78-year-old to chat about the CPL and get his thoughts on Twenty20 cricket…
Q: What excites you about the CPL?
A: It’s a great competition for the Caribbean. It’s getting people out to watch the cricket. It’s attracted a new audience by playing it at night. You can take your family out for the evening. It’s great entertainment.
Q: What impact is the tournament having on Caribbean cricket?
"I think Barbados can defend their title. But the CPL is getting stronger" - Sir Garry Sobers
A: The competition won’t develop Test players but it encourages players to be positive and play shots, which they can introduce to the longer format. There’s no harm in players playing both short and longer formats. It allows them to learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Like I said there’s a new audience watching the games too so hopefully it will make people go back and watch Test cricket.
Q: You never had the chance to play T20 cricket. Is there anyone you played with who you think would excel in now?
A: They all would have been great players! The likes of Everton Weekes, Rohan Kanhai and Sir Clyde Walcott were all very attractive players and they could play any type of cricket. They wouldn’t have had to change their game either because they could score quickly and were naturally attacking players.
Q: What do you make about the invention in the game today with reverse hits, sweeps etc.?
A: I think they are a little bit overdone. I am a fan of them but I don’t think you would have seen them much in my day when players didn’t wear helmets. Protection means players feel more fearless.
Q: Who are you excited to watch in this year’s tournament?
A: Jacques Kallis is one of the great players of all-time. People in the Caribbean haven’t seen a lot of him and he is the type of player people will want to come out and watch. He’s sheer class and I can’t wait to see him play for the Red Steel.
Q: Who are you tipping for this year’s tournament?
A: I think Barbados can defend their title. All of the islands are strong and with the likes of Kallis it will be a good competition. The CPL is only getting stronger and with the calibre of player in this year’s tournaments I am expecting crowds to grow and grow.
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