Bernard Julien, West Indies World Cup winner, dies aged 75
He appeared in 24 Tests and 12 ODIs, which included vital contributions during WI's triumph in the inaugural 1975 ODI World Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff
06-Oct-2025 • 6 hrs ago
Bernard Julien was a World Cup winner in 1975 • Getty Images
Bernard Julien, the former West Indies allrounder, died at the age of 75 on Saturday in Valsayn, a town in Northern Trinidad. He was part of the 1975 world champions and represented the region across 24 Tests and 12 ODIs.
At the inaugural ODI World Cup, now 50 years ago, Julien produced a spell of 4 for 20 against Sri Lanka in the group stage and followed it up with 4 for 27 against New Zealand in the semi-final and a cameo of 26 off 37 balls against Australia in the final. The tournament encapsulated his reputation as a swashbuckling allrounder known for his left-arm seam bowling, his strokeplay and lively fielding.
Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain, hailed Julien 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 high point at Lord's, where he scored his first Test century, a match-winning 121 against England in 1973. He picked up a five-for against the same opposition the next year.
"We all had total respect for him," Lloyd said. "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."
Julien also played for Kent between 1970 and 1977, but his career came to a halt when he joined a rebel West Indies side that toured South Africa during the apartheid era 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."