Harold Dennis "Dickie" Bird, one of cricket’s most iconic and beloved umpires, passed away peacefully at his home on September 23, 2025, aged 92. Revered for his fairness, eccentric charm, and deep love for the game, Bird officiated 66 Test matches and 69 ODIs between 1973 and 1996, including three Cricket World Cup finals.
Born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Bird began his cricketing journey as a batsman for Yorkshire and Leicestershire before a knee injury ended his playing career prematurely. It was in umpiring that he found his true calling, becoming a fixture on the international stage and earning the respect of players and fans alike.
Bird’s final Test at Lord’s in 1996 was marked by a rare guard of honour from both England and India, a tribute that moved him to tears. The match also saw the debuts of Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, underscoring Bird’s presence at pivotal moments in cricket history.
It is with profound sadness that The Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces the passing of Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird MBE OBE, one of cricket’s most beloved figures, who died peacefully at home at the age of 92.
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) September 23, 2025
Despite his deep admiration for Indian cricket, Bird once stirred debate by omitting Sachin Tendulkar from his personal all-time Test XI—a decision that drew both criticism and curiosity. He defended the choice by citing the difficulty of selecting from a pantheon of greats, though he acknowledged Tendulkar’s brilliance and impact on the game.
Beyond the boundary, Bird’s autobiography sold over a million copies, and he was awarded an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 for his services to cricket and charity. In 2014, he was named President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, a role he cherished deeply.
MCC is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Harold "Dickie" Bird. An Honorary Life Member of the Club, Dickie enjoyed an illustrious career as an umpire and was one of the most popular officials in the history of the game.
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) September 23, 2025
He officiated in 66 men’s Test matches and we were… pic.twitter.com/r22NSrKCAZ
Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world, celebrating Bird’s legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy. Yorkshire CCC described him as “one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history,” while fans remembered his trademark white hat, gentle admonitions, and unwavering sense of justice.
As cricket mourns the loss of a true gentleman of the game, Bird’s legacy endures—not just in the matches he officiated, but in the spirit of fairness and humanity he brought to every decision.