Legendary cricket umpire Harold Dennis "Dickie" Bird has died peacefully at home aged 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced.
The club described Bird as "one of cricket's most beloved figures" and "the most famous and popular official in the game's history." He served as Yorkshire's President from 2014, a role he held with pride during the club's two County Championship title wins.
Cricket career and achievements
Bird officiated in 66 Test matches and three World Cup finals during his international umpiring career. His playing career was cut short by injury, leading to his transition to the umpiring role that would make him a household name.
According to Yorkshire sources, Bird was born on 19 April 1933 in Barnsley, Yorkshire. Metro reports he played club cricket alongside future celebrities Michael Parkinson and Geoffrey Boycott in his younger days.
Recognition and honours
Bird was appointed MBE in 1986 and OBE in 2012 for his services to cricket. He became synonymous with Yorkshire cricket as one of the county's most loyal supporters throughout his life.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club said Bird "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."
Tributes and legacy
The Yorkshire Post reports that Yorkshire County Cricket Club is planning to honour Bird before their final match against Durham at Headingley.
Fans have been paying tribute to the beloved umpire, with GBNews highlighting touching messages including "no bad light where you're going" - a reference to his famous decisions about playing conditions during matches.
Sources used: "Sky News", "Yorkshire County Cricket Club", "YorkshirePost", "Yorkshire", "Metro", "gbnews", "mirror", "bbc"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
