One of cricket’s most recognised and beloved umpire Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92.
Few men in cricket have ever been loved simply for standing still, pointing skyward, and smiling through the storm. Bird was one of them.
For over two decades, Bird stood at the heart of the cricketing stage, presiding over 66 Test matches and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals. But numbers alone cannot capture his aura. Bird was more than an umpire; he was the face of fairness, the sound of laughter, and the raised finger that united generations of cricket lovers.
Bird is also fondly remembered for his eccentricities, especially his love for grey clouds and his feign despair at the first sight of rain, meticulous attention over light conditions and his lively humour that alleviated the high-pressure environment.
Tributes flow for "National Treasure"
Bird's home county side Yorkshire, for whom he played and served as president, described him as a "national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth".
As per The Guardian a minute of applause was also observed at Headingley, Bird's spiritual home. Players from Yorkshire and Durham, playing the final round of County championships lined up to pay their respects. A bouquet of flowers with his white umpire's cap were placed on his dressing-room balcony chair.
Fellow Yorkshire great, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who saw Bird first as a player and then umpire lavished praise on the legendary umpire.
"Players all over the world respected and admired him for his firmness, fairness and he did it with a sense of humour."
