Cricket West Indies (CWI) has offered its congratulations to former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, who was knighted on Wednesday (January 12).

Lloyd, one of the most successful captains in Test cricket history, was honoured for his services to the game of cricket at the investiture that was performed by the Duke of Cambridge at Windsor Castle.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt described the Lloyd’s knighthood as a ‘tremendous honour’.

“On behalf of CWI and everyone involved in West Indies cricket, I want to offer heartiest congratulations to Sir Clive on this tremendous honour,” Skerritt said of the Guyanese cricketer who was affectionately called ‘The Big Cat’ during his heyday.

“Sir Clive holds a special place in cricket history, as the first man to lift the Cricket World Cup, which brought tremendous pride and joy to West Indians all over the world,” Skerritt continued.

“That victory at Lords was a hugely significant moment in West Indies cricket when we demonstrated we were the best team in the world, with the unifying style of Sir Clive’s leadership standing out. Sir Clive has made a massive contribution to the growth of the game in the West Indies and globally, and cricket fans everywhere should welcome this most fitting accolade.”

Now 77, Sir Clive led West Indies to victory over Australia at Lords in the final of the inaugural Cricket World Cup tournament in 1975.

Four years later, he again led the West Indies to the world title when they beat England, again at a historic venue.

He played in 110 Tests and 87 One-Day Internationals for the West Indies. In Tests, he scored 7,515 runs at an average of 46.67 with 19 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He was captain from 1974-1985 and during his time at the helm, led the team to becoming the most successful in the world with a run of 27 Test matches without defeat – which included 11 wins in a row.

He was also a former West Indies team manager and selector, and ICC Match Referee. In 2009, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

On January 22, 1985, Sir Clive was made an honorary officer of the Order of Australia for his services to the sport of cricket, particularly in relation to his outstanding and positive influence on the game in Australia.