Former Test umpire Harold “Dickie” Bird, one of cricket’s most celebrated and respected officials, has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirmed on Tuesday. The club said Bird, “one of cricket’s most beloved figures,” passed away peacefully at home.
Bird’s career as an international umpire spanned decades, during which he stood in 66 Test matches and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals. His integrity, humour, and distinctive style on the field made him a household name and earned him admiration from players and fans worldwide.
Before his umpiring career, Bird played county cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, but it was his work as an official that secured his legendary status.
Yorkshire paid tribute to Bird’s unwavering support for the club, recalling that he was appointed president of Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 2014, a position he held with great pride.
“Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into history as the most famous and popular official in the game’s history,” the club’s statement read.
Bird’s contribution to cricket was also recognised at Lord’s, where he was given a guard of honour by England and India players before officiating his final Test match. Tributes have since poured in from across the cricketing world.
Colin Graves, chairman of Yorkshire, described him as a “brilliant guy who loved being part of the Yorkshire set-up” and said his presence would be sorely missed at Headingley.
The Marylebone Cricket Club also expressed its sadness, calling Bird “one of the most popular officials in the history of the game” and remembering him as an Honorary Life Member. His passing marks the end of an era for cricket umpiring, leaving behind a legacy defined by fairness, personality, and unwavering passion for the sport.
