Dickie Bird, the iconic former cricket umpire, has died at the age of 92.
Bird, whose first-class playing career was cut short by injury, became one of the most famous faces in the game.
He officiated in 66 Tests and 76 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals, between 1973 and 1996.
Bird’s home county side Yorkshire, for whom he played and served as president, described him as a “national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth”.
“He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility and joy – and a legion of admirers across generations,” the club said.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said: “Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dickie Bird.
“A proud Yorkshireman and a much-loved umpire, he will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Dickie.”
Bird was born in Barnsley and grew up playing club cricket with two fellow future luminaries – legendary England batter Sir Geoffrey Boycott and journalist and TV host Sir Michael Parkinson, with whom he remained close friends.
Paying tribute, Boycott said Bird was “loved by so many and became a legend”. Parkinson died in 2023.
Bird, whose real name was Harold, began his playing career at Yorkshire before moving to represent Leicestershire.
A right-handed batter, he scored two centuries and averaged 20.71 in 93 first-class matches.
But he will be remembered for his career as an umpire, and at one stage his 66 Tests stood as a record.
He oversaw a number of unusual moments too – a bomb scare at Lord’s when he sat on the covers on the pitch as crowds came on to the field, a burst water pipe at Headingley, and taking the players from the field at Old Trafford because the sun was reflecting off a window into the eyes of the batter.
Before his final Test in 1996, Bird was given a guard of honour on the outfield at Lord’s by the England and India players.
He also umpired charity matches for Queen Elizabeth II, whom he said he met 29 times, and was awarded the Freedom of Barnsley in 2000.
There is a life-size statue of Bird in Barnsley town centre.
He stood in his last official match in 1998 – a game between Yorkshire and Warwickshire at Headingley, where he remained a regular visitor.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are with Dickie’s family and friends during this time,” Yorkshire said.
“He will be truly missed by all at the club, having spent an incredible amount of time in support of everyone here, and will be remembered as one the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.”
Yorkshire said Bird died “peacefully at home”. (BBC)
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