Legendary cricket umpire Harold 'Dickie' Bird dies at 92

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :September 23, 2025 at 9:03 PM

Modified at :September 23, 2025 at 9:03 PM

Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird retired from umpiring in 1996 after officiating in 66 tests and 69 ODIs.

Legendary cricket umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird has died at the age of 92. Being one of the most beloved umpires in cricket history, he retired from umpiring in 1996, having officiated in 66 tests and 69 ODIs during his career, including three ICC Cricket World Cup finals.

In his county career, Bird played for Yorkshire County Club and Leicestershire. However, he spent his major time with the Yorkshire Club. Bird, who was a right-handed batsman, played 93 games in first-class cricket, smacking 3314 runs in 170 innings, with two centuries and 14 half-centuries.

He made his umpiring debut in 1973 and was also the umpire in ICC Cricket World Cup 1983 final between India and West Indies, which was a memorable moment for Indian cricket. As an umpire, Bird was famously reluctant to raise his finger for LBW appeals, often offering the benefit of doubt to batters.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club pays tribute to Harold Dickie Bird

Yorkshire County Cricket Club paid tribute to Bird in an official statement. Bird served as the president of the Yorkshire Club in 2014.

“He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy — and a legion of admirers across generations. The thoughts of everyone at the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are with Dickie’s family and friends during this time,” the statement read.

“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,” the statement added.

In 1996, he bid farewell to his umpiring career. In his last test match at The Lord’s, he was given a guard of honour by England and Indian players and a standing ovation by the crowd.

When did Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird retire from umpiring?

Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird retired from umpiring in 1996.

Umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird officiated in how many games in international cricket?

Umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird officiated in 66 tests and 69 ODIs in international cricket.

Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird played for which clubs in England’s county cricket?

Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird played for Yorkshire County Club and Leicestershire.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.