ICC Chairman Jay Shah has expressed sorrow over the passing of legendary England umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird, who died at the age of 92. Shah described Bird as ‘one of the most respected umpires who fans
around the world remember fondly long after his retirement.’
On Tuesday, his home county Yorkshire announced that Bird passed away peacefully at his home. Bird, who played 93 first-class matches for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, scoring two centuries, began his umpiring career in a first-class match in 1970.
He officiated his first Test match three years later and went on to umpire 66 Tests and 69 ODIs, including three ICC World Cup finals. His last Test match was between India and England at Lord’s in 1996, where both teams gave him a guard of honour and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
What Jay Shah Said About Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird?
“Dickie Bird was more than just an umpire, he was a symbol of integrity in the cricketing world. With his unmistakable presence and unwavering fairness, he earned respect not just from players, but from fans globally who admired his passion for the game.”
“To have stood in three World Cup finals and in so many iconic matches is a testament to the trust the cricketing community placed in him. But perhaps more than his remarkable career, it was his love for the sport and his enduring connection with people that truly set him apart.”
“The cricket world has lost one of its most beloved figures, and we join fans around the globe in remembering a true gentleman of the game,” said Shah in a statement on Wednesday.
Bird’s popularity can be gauged by the fact that his book ‘My Autobiography’ reportedly sold over a million copies. After retirement, he supported under-18 sportspersons in need through his Dickie Bird Foundation. He was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 and later appointed Yorkshire President in 2014.
(With inputs from IANS)
