Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird, the iconic cricket umpire, has died at the age of 92. His passing was announced by Yorkshire County Cricket Club, where he served as president since 2014. Bird, who died peacefully at home, was celebrated as one of the sport's most beloved figures.

Born on 19 April 1933 in Barnsley, Bird's cricketing journey began as a player, but an injury cut his career short at 32. He transitioned to umpiring in 1970, quickly becoming a prominent figure in the game. Over his distinguished career, Bird officiated in 66 Test matches and three World Cup finals, earning a reputation for his integrity and unique style.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club expressed their profound sadness in a statement, describing Bird as “one of the greatest characters in Yorkshire’s history.” They highlighted his unwavering dedication to cricket and his significant contributions to the club, which included two County Championship titles during his presidency.

Bird's popularity extended beyond the cricket field. His autobiography became the best-selling sports autobiography in the UK, selling over a million copies. He was also a familiar face on television, known for his engaging personality and storytelling.

Former Yorkshire batter and England captain Michael Vaughan remarked on social media, “Such a sad loss…Mr Yorkshire will always be remembered.” Yorkshire chair Colin Graves added, “It’s a sad day. He was a brilliant guy who loved being part of the Yorkshire set-up.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board expressed their deep sadness at Bird's passing, while Barnsley Football Club, a team he supported, plans to hold a minute’s applause in his honour at an upcoming match. Bird's legacy as a national treasure and a figure synonymous with Yorkshire cricket will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike.