Cricket is mourning the death of Dickie Bird, perhaps the most famous official in any sport, at the age of 92.
Born in Barnsley, Bird played 93 first-class matches as a batsman for Yorkshire and Leicestershire in a nine-year career ended prematurely by injury in 1964. But it was as an international umpire that he made his name, eventually standing in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs, including three World Cup finals.
Though he was generally regarded as a not-outer, he enjoyed the respect and affection of every player he came across, primarily because he officiated with humour and integrity.
As a statement released by his beloved Yorkshire put it: ‘Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth.’
A fervent royalist who claimed to have met the Queen 29 times, he was made an MBE in 1986 and an OBE 26 years later, in recognition of his contribution to the sport. In 2014, he was named president of Yorkshire, and was a regular visitor to county and international matches at Headingley. He funded the Dickie Bird Players’ Balcony with £125,000 of his own cash.
At his final Test match, between England and India at Lord’s in 1996, he received a guard of honour from both teams, before going against his stereotype by giving Mike Atherton out lbw for a duck in the first over to Javagal Srinath.
Yorkshire’s statement added: ‘He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy — and a legion of admirers across generations.’
More to follow.
Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire Cricket Club have confirmed
The legendary umpire passed away peacefully at the age of 92
Bird began umpiring after his playing career was cut short through injury
He officiated 66 Test matches and 69 One Day Internationals, including three World Cup finals
The legendary umpire was named President of the Yorkshire Cricket Club in 2014
