LONDON – Legendary former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, along with former Windies batting star Gordon Greenidge, have been awarded Knighthoods in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Lloyd, the 75-year-old Guyanese who captained West Indies to World Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1979, was on Friday honoured for his “services to cricket” surrounding an illustrious career which saw him become one of the game’s true greats.
Greenidge, meanwhile, a 68-year-old former opening batsman, has been conferred with the Order of St Michael and St George Knight Commander for “services to cricket and to the development of sport” on the overseas list.
Captain Eoin Morgan, along with all-rounder Ben Stokes, were among five England players honoured for their role in the country’s first-ever World Cup triumph at Lord’s last July.
Lloyd, who will now be known as Sir Clive, was credited for moulding the West Indies side of the late 1970s and early 1980s into a dominant force in world cricket.
Following his playing career, Lloyd served as West Indies team manager and also held prominent roles with the International Cricket Council as match referee and as a member of their cricket committee.
More recently, Lloyd served as chairman of West Indies selectors up until three years ago.
“This is a tremendous honour. I’m delighted and humbled to receive this honour bestowed upon me by Her Majesty,” said Lloyd, who was also a major force for English County Lancashire between 1968 and 1986.
“I gave over 50 years of my life to this great game and to be recognized in this way, I know my contribution is well respected. To be honoured for playing a sport I enjoyed and which brought great pleasure to many is a pleasant surprise.
“This is dedicated to my family and all the people who were part on this journey with me – the West Indies and Guyana and Lancashire players, all the West Indian people, and all those who supported us.”
He added: “Also, great to hear the news that Gordon has been honoured as well. He has been a great servant of the game as well and his is richly deserved.” (CMC)