Yorkshire | Dickie Bird legend

Dickie Bird, iconic cricket umpire, dies aged 92

He was one of the most recognisable and cherished figures in cricket

Author | Admin

Bird’s first-class playing career was curtailed by injury, but he went on to become the most celebrated umpire of his era. Between 1973 and 1996 he officiated in 66 Test matches and 76 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals, at a time when his name was synonymous with the sport.

Born in Barnsley, Bird played club cricket alongside England great Geoff Boycott and broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson, who remained a close friend. A right-handed batter, he began his county career with Yorkshire before moving to Leicestershire, making 93 first-class appearances and scoring two centuries.

It was, however, in the white coat that Bird made his lasting mark. For a time, his 66 Tests stood as a record for umpires. His presence on the field, his humanity and occasional eccentricities earned him widespread affection. Away from the professional game, he also umpired charity matches for Queen Elizabeth II, proudly noting that he met her 29 times.

His farewell Test at Lord’s in 1996 was marked by a guard of honour from England and India’s players, a fitting tribute to his standing in the game. Two years later he took charge of his final official match, between Yorkshire and Warwickshire at Headingley, a ground he continued to visit long after retirement.

A man adored by so many

The England and Wales Cricket Board said: "Everyone at the ECB is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dickie Bird.”

Yorkshire County Cricket Club posted on their website: “The thoughts of everyone at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are with Dickie’s family and friends during this time. 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.”

Jon Flatman, Barnsley FC Chief Executive Officer, said via the club’s website: “Barnsley has today lost a legend of the sporting world. Dickie had an incredible life, and Barnsley, as a town and football club, meant a lot to him.”