Former West Indies allrounder Bernard Julien passed away at the age of 75 on Saturday, October 4, in Valsayn, a town in northern Trinidad. Julien was part of the 1975 World Cup-winning West Indies team and represented the region in 24 Tests and 12 ODIs.
Fifty years ago, during the inaugural ODI World Cup in 1975, Julien showcased his all-round brilliance, taking 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage, 4 for 27 against New Zealand in the semi-final, and contributing a valuable 26 off 37 balls
in the final against Australia.
The tournament highlighted his reputation as a swashbuckling allrounder, admired for his left-arm seam bowling, stylish strokeplay, and energetic fielding. Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd paid tribute to Julien, describing him as a vital 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.
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 as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"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.
