ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) today congratulated Clive Lloyd on the 50 years of service to the game.
The legendary former West Indies captain made his entry into international cricket on December 13, 1966 – when he played in the first Test against India at the famous Brabourne Stadium in Bombay.
President, Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron, praised Lloyd for his unswerving commitment to the game of cricket in general and West Indies cricket in particular.
He hailed Lloyd as a true pioneer and the man of vision; an outstanding ambassador and one of the game’s greatest leaders.
“We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Lloyd on this, his golden anniversary on the international stage. We say a whole-hearted ‘thank you’ to a man who gave all he had to the sport and to the people,” Cameron said.
On this day in 1966 Lloyd stepped onto the international stage for the first time in a West Indies cap. He made scores of 82 and 78 not out as West Indies won the match by six wickets.
Half a century later he remains a true standard-bearer for our great game. In 1975 he lifted the Cricket World Cup for the first time – a signal moment that takes pride of place in the hearts of all West Indian supporters.
Lloyd made his debut at the age of 22 and retired in 1985 at the age of 40 – his last Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He played 110 matches; scored 7,515 runs (average 46.67) with a top score of 242 not out among his 19 centuries.
He also played 87 One-Day Internationals, scoring 1,977 runs (average 39.54). His top score of 102 came in the 1975 World Cup final against Australia at Lords and earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.
He led the West Indies in 74 Test matches and won 36. He was at the helm when the West Indies won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 ad 1979.
Commentators world over have described Lloyd that “during his playing days he was powerful left-handed batsman with an awesome array of strokes. He changed the way the game was played and totally transformed the landscape.”
“We all agree that his vision and leadership led to one of the greatest periods in West Indies cricket as he captained and bonded the regional side into one of the greatest sporting teams the world will ever see,” added Cameron.
Lloyd retired in 1985, and since then he has contributed at all levels as a coach, selectors, mentors and advisor.
“He also earned great respect as an ICC match referee and Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee. In all he did, both on and off the field, the former Captain gave all he had. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all time.”