Bernard Julien, the former West Indies all-rounder and 1975 World Cup winner, has died at 75 in Valsayn, Northern Trinidad.
Julien played a crucial role in the 1975 World Cup, helping West Indies secure their first-ever men’s World Cup title in
cricket history.
During the inaugural Men’s ODI World Cup, he delivered impressive bowling performances with figures of 4/20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage and 4/27 against New Zealand in the semi-final.
In the final against Australia, Julien contributed with the bat, scoring 26 runs off 37 balls as West Indies emerged victorious. His all-round abilities were evident through his left-arm seam bowling, aggressive batting, and dynamic fielding.
“He always gave you over 100 per cent. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time. What a fine cricketer. We all had total respect for him. He enjoyed himself and was loved by everyone around. I remember we won the Test match at Lord’s and stood there and signed autographs for a long time. He was good for us and was held in high regard everywhere we went,” Clive Lloyd told the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.
In his international career, Julien represented West Indies in 24 Test matches and 12 ODIs. He accumulated 866 runs and claimed 50 wickets in Tests, while scoring 86 runs and taking 18 wickets in ODIs.
Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow expressed his condolences on Julien’s passing.
“As we honour Bernard Julien, we also recognise the importance of reflection and inclusion. The time has come to view that chapter of our history not through exclusion but through understanding,” Shallow said in a Cricket West Indies statement.
“To the family, friends, and loved ones of Bernard Julien, we extend our deepest condolences. His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us. Cricket West Indies stands with you in this moment of loss, and we hope Bernard knew he was valued and loved by the cricketing family he helped to shape, and that he found peace knowing his contribution will always endure,” he added.
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