Bernard Julien, a former West Indies all-rounder, died at the age of 75 on Saturday, October 4, in Valsayn, a village in northern Trinidad. Julien was a member of the West Indies’ 1975 World Cup-winning side, appearing in 24 Tests and 12 One-Day Internationals.
Julien demonstrated his all-round talent 50 years ago, during the inaugural ODI World Cup in 1975, taking 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage, 4 for 27 against New Zealand in the semi-final, and a useful 26 off 37 balls in the final versus Australia.
The competition cemented his status as a swashbuckling allrounder, known for his left-arm seam bowling, brilliant strokeplay, and athletic fielding. Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd paid tribute to Julien, citing him as a key member of the 1975 champions.
“He always gave you over 100 percent. 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,” Lloyd was quoted as saying by the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian.
Bernard Julien enjoyed another career highlight at Lord’s, where he scored his first Test century, a match-winning 121 against England in 1973.
The following year, he continued his fine form against the same opposition, claiming a five-wicket haul to further underline his value as a genuine allrounder for the West Indies.
“We all had total respect for him. He enjoyed himself and was loved by everyone around. I remember we won the Test match at Lords and stood there and signed autographs for a long time. He was good for us and was held in high regard everywhere we went,” said Lloyd.
Julien also represented Kent on the English county circuit between 1970 and 1977, where he became a fan favourite for his dynamic performances with both bat and ball. However, his professional career came to an abrupt end when he joined a rebel West Indies team that toured apartheid-era South Africa in 1982–83.
“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,” Dr Kishore Shallow, the President of Cricket West Indies, said in an official 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.
India
