The cricketing world is mourning the loss of one of its most versatile and spirited contributors, Bernard Julien, who passed away at the age of 75 in Valsayn, northern Trinidad, on October 6, 2025. Julien, a former West Indies all-rounder, was a key figure in the team’s historic triumph at the inaugural Men’s ODI World Cup in 1975. His passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the cricketing globe, with former teammates, cricket boards, and fans reflecting on his legacy both on and off the field.
For those who remember the heady days of the 1975 World Cup, Bernard Julien’s name sits comfortably among the tournament’s legends. The left-arm swing bowler and aggressive lower-order batsman played a starring role in the West Indies’ campaign. In the group stage, Julien delivered a devastating spell, taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs against Sri Lanka. He followed that up with another four-wicket haul—this time 4 for 27—in the semi-final against New Zealand, helping propel his side into the final at Lord’s.
It was in that final, against Australia, that Julien showcased his all-round abilities. Coming in at a crucial moment, he scored a vital 26 not out off 37 balls. That gritty knock helped the West Indies post a formidable total and ultimately secure a dramatic victory—lifting the very first men’s World Cup trophy in cricket history. As Clive Lloyd, the captain of that legendary side, fondly recalled, “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.”
Julien’s international career spanned 24 Test matches and 12 ODIs for the West Indies. In Tests, he racked up 866 runs at an average of 30.92, including two centuries, and claimed 50 wickets at a bowling average of 37.36. His ODI record included 86 runs and 18 wickets, but it was his performances under pressure—particularly in the World Cup—that cemented his status as a big-game player. His maiden Test century, a sparkling 121 at Lord’s in 1973 against England, and a five-wicket haul against the same opposition a year later, further showcased his all-round prowess.
But Julien’s cricketing journey didn’t stop at the international level. From 1970 to 1977, he was a mainstay for Kent in English county cricket, making 179 appearances, scoring 3,296 runs, and taking a remarkable 336 wickets. His time at Kent was laden with silverware: seven trophies in as many years, including the Gillette Cup (now known as the One-Day Cup), two Benson & Hedges Cups, and a share of the County Championship title with Middlesex in his final season. “He was an exciting stroke player and one of the most effective left-arm swing bowlers of his generation,” Kent Cricket Club said in their tribute, extending condolences to his family and friends.
Julien’s career, however, was not without controversy. In the early 1980s, he joined a rebel West Indies tour to apartheid-era South Africa—a move that sparked intense debate within the cricketing community and beyond. The episode remains a complex chapter in cricket history, prompting important conversations about inclusion, representation, and the moral responsibilities of athletes. Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, acknowledged this aspect of Julien’s legacy, stating, “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.”
Despite the controversies, Julien’s dedication to the sport and his teammates never wavered. Clive Lloyd, reflecting on their shared experiences, recalled not just the victories but the camaraderie and joy that Julien brought to the team. “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,” Lloyd said. Such memories speak to the deep respect and affection Julien commanded from those who played alongside him.
Cricket West Indies, in an official statement, expressed their collective grief and appreciation: “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.”
Julien’s influence stretched beyond the boundary ropes. He was seen as a mentor to younger players and a symbol of the fearless, expressive cricket that came to define the West Indies during their golden era. His energetic fielding, left-arm seam bowling, and aggressive batting style inspired countless aspiring cricketers across the Caribbean and beyond. Even decades after his retirement, stories of his commitment and zest for the game continue to circulate among fans and former players alike.
For many, Julien’s legacy is best captured not just in statistics or trophies, but in the spirit with which he played. He embodied the values of teamwork, resilience, and joy—qualities that resonate as much today as they did during his playing days. As Dr. Shallow so aptly put it, “His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us.”
As tributes pour in from all corners of the cricketing world, it’s clear that Bernard Julien’s impact will endure. His story is one of triumph, controversy, and above all, passion for the game. The West Indies, Kent, and the broader cricket community have lost a true all-rounder—one whose contributions will be cherished for generations to come.
With the cricketing fraternity united in remembrance, Bernard Julien’s legacy stands tall—a testament to talent, dedication, and the enduring power of sport to inspire and unite.
