Cricket Dec 07, 2025

Dickie Bird: Legendary cricket umpire dies aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Dickie Bird: Legendary cricket umpire dies aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces

Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird has died aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has announced.

Harold Dennis 'Dickie' Bird MBE OBE became one of the most famous umpires in cricket, officiating 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals, as well as three World Cup finals.

He was appointed an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket.

In a statement, Bird's home county Yorkshire said: "He died peacefully at home at the age of 92 and he leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy - and a legion of admirers across generations.

"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."

Bird was born in Barnsley and played club cricket with England batter Geoffrey Boycott and presenter Sir Michael Parkinson.

He began his cricketing career at Yorkshire where he notched a career-best of 181 not out before moving to Leicestershire.

He retired at the age of 32 with an average of 20.71.

Bird officiated a county match for the first time in 1970 and stood in his first Test just three years later.

Michael Atherton was credited with organising the unprecedented guard of honour with which England and India welcomed Bird on the occasion of his 66th and final Test at Lord's.

Bird came to be one of the best-known figures in the sport, an outstanding umpire also famous for his amusing interactions with players and fans alike, as well as his seeming talent for being involved in quirky, memorable moments.

Among the incidents that saw his legend grow were a bomb scare at Lord's, when he observed proceedings while sitting on the covers in the centre of the pitch, the burst water pipes at Headingley and his entertaining exchange of opinions with a frustrated crowd, a first recorded instance of 'good light stopped play' thanks to a Trent Bridge greenhouse and an elbow injury sustained while slipping in the showers at the Women's World Cup.

The last match Bird officially umpired in was a fixture between Yorkshire and Warwickshire at Headingley in 1998.

"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.

"Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in due course, and the club will be looking to honour him in a variety of ways in the coming weeks."

Tags:

cricket news id:13436654

Share this article

Related Posts

T20 World Cup: England suffer 30-run defeat to West Indies in Mumbai

T20 World Cup: England suffer 30-run defeat to West Indies in Mumbai

England suffered their first defeat of the T20 World Cup after a superb spell of spin bowling inspired the West Indies to a 30‑run victory in their Gr...

T20 World Cup 2026: Latest reports from tournament in India and Sri Lanka as England target third title; Scotland and Ireland also feature

T20 World Cup 2026: Latest reports from tournament in India and Sri Lanka as England target third title; Scotland and Ireland also feature

Ronaldo again absent for Al Nassr game but pictured training in RiyadhCristiano Ronaldo was again absent from the Al Nassr squad for their AFC Champio...

T20 World Cup, England vs West Indies: Scores, highlights and reaction as Harry Brook's side suffer 30-run defeat

T20 World Cup, England vs West Indies: Scores, highlights and reaction as Harry Brook's side suffer 30-run defeat

Ronaldo again absent for Al Nassr game but pictured training in RiyadhCristiano Ronaldo was again absent from the Al Nassr squad for their AFC Champio...

T20 World Cup: Scotland dominate Italy in 73-run victory as George Munsey stars with knock of 84 and outstanding catch

T20 World Cup: Scotland dominate Italy in 73-run victory as George Munsey stars with knock of 84 and outstanding catch

Scotland eased to their first win at the T20 World Cup with a dominant 73-run victory over Italy at Eden GardensTournament debutants Italy were dealt...

T20 World Cup: Jamie Overton replaces Luke Wood as England make one change for West Indies clash

T20 World Cup: Jamie Overton replaces Luke Wood as England make one change for West Indies clash

England have made one change for their second T20 World Cup group stage match against the West Indies, with Jamie Overton replacing Luke Wood.Harry Br...

T20 World Cup: South Africa escape shock Afghanistan upset in first double Super Over in tournament history

T20 World Cup: South Africa escape shock Afghanistan upset in first double Super Over in tournament history

South Africa escaped a shock upset against Afghanistan in an astounding match that featured two Super Overs for the first time in T20 World Cup histor...