-
Born Harold Bird in Barnsley, Dickie Bird played club cricket alongside England legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott and journalist Sir Michael Parkinson, with both remaining lifelong friends. A right-handed batter, he scored two centuries and averaged 20.71 across 93 matches.
Dickie Bird, the iconic former cricket umpire has passed away at the age of 92.
Dickie Bird, whose promising first-class cricket career was cut short by injury, became one of the most celebrated umpires in the sport. Between 1973 and 1996, he officiated in 66 Tests and 76 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals, establishing himself as a fixture of the game, the BBC reported.
Bird’s home county, Yorkshire, for whom he both played and later served as president, described him as a “national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth.” The club added: “He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy—and a legion of admirers across generations.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board also paid tribute, saying: “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.”
Born Harold Bird in Barnsley, he played club cricket alongside England legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott and journalist Sir Michael Parkinson, with both remaining lifelong friends. Bird began his first-class career at Yorkshire before moving to Leicestershire. A right-handed batter, he scored two centuries and averaged 20.71 across 93 matches.
However, it was his umpiring career that defined him. At one point, his 66 Tests were a record. Bird oversaw memorable and unusual moments, including a bomb scare at Lord’s, a burst water pipe at Headingley, and halting play when sunlight reflected off a window into a batter’s eyes. Before his final Test in 1996, he received a guard of honour at Lord’s from England and India players.
Bird also umpired charity matches for Queen Elizabeth II, whom he met 29 times, and was awarded the Freedom of Barnsley in 2000. A life-size statue in Barnsley town centre commemorates his legacy. He stood in his last official match in 1998 between Yorkshire and Warwickshire at Headingley, where he continued to be a regular presence.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club said: “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dickie’s family and friends. He will be truly missed and remembered as one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.” The club confirmed that Bird passed away peacefully at home.
Follow The Times Kuwait on
X, Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates
