Dickie Bird dies aged 92 as emotional tributes paid to cricket legend

Legendary former cricket umpire Dickie Bird has died at the age of 92. Yorkshire have announced that Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird passed away peacefully at home.

Bird played for Yorkshire and Leicestershire as a player, but it was only after his playing career was cut short that he found his calling as an umpire. He became one of the most famous umpires in the sport and was synonymous with Yorkshire, in his later life becoming the club's president.

He oversaw 66 Test matches and 69 One Day Internationals as an umpire and took charge of three World Cup finals.

Yorkshire said in a statement: "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.

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"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."

The club added: "Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth. He was appointed an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket.

"He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy — and a legion of admirers across generations."

His former club Leicestershire wrote: "Leicestershire CCC is saddened to hear of the passing of Dickie Bird. He represented the Foxes in the early 1960s, scoring over 1,000 runs in his debut season at Grace Road. A true cricketing icon whose contribution to the game will never be forgotten.

"Leicestershire CCC would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Dickie’s family, friends, and all those in the cricketing community who were inspired by him. His contribution to the sport, both at Leicestershire and beyond, will be remembered with immense fondness."

Henry Moeran, from the BBC's Test Match Special, wrote: "[He was] with us at Headingley and on wonderful form just a few weeks ago. One of the game's great, great figures."

Somerset County Cricket Club added: "The cricketing world has lost a legend today. Thank you for the memories, Dickie. May you rest in peace."

"Sad news about the passing of Dickie Bird, at 92," wrote former England footballer Stan Collymore. "For several generations his name simply meant cricket, such was his association with the sport he served so well and loved so much. Rest in peace, Dickie."

Bird was born in Barnsley and began his cricketing career as a batter with Yorkshire in 1956. He spent three years playing for the club before moving to Leicestershire, where he stayed for four years. He managed 93 first-class matches for the two clubs before turning to umpiring.

Bird started his umpiring career in 1970 and continued on until 1996, becoming a well-known and much-loved figure in the sport due to his sense of humour.

He umpired the inaugural World Cup final between West Indies and Australia in 1975 and went on to be involved in many other big games throughout his career.