Cricket legend Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird dies aged 92

The world of cricket is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished figures, Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird OBE, who passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92.

A native of Barnsley, Dickie was celebrated for his no-nonsense approach, infectious humour, and unwavering love of cricket, earning him the status of a national sporting treasure.

He was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Barnsley in 2000 and is immortalised in the town with a six-foot statue by Barnsley sculptor and longtime friend, Graham Ibbeson.

Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Dave Leech, paid tribute to Dickie, saying: “Dickie was a global sporting icon, a wonderful ambassador for Barnsley, and a friend to anyone he met.

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Thoughtful

“He cherished the Freedom of the Borough and always attended civic events whenever he could – from Remembrance Sunday services to military parades, and every Proud of Barnsley Awards ceremony.

“Everyone loved speaking to him, and he brought joy wherever he went.”

Dickie’s sister, Marjorie Wyatt, reflected on his lifelong connection to Barnsley: “Dickie was always proud of putting Barnsley on the map – he was Barnsley through and through.

“He was caring, thoughtful, and had a way of making decisions with confidence and humour. I will always remember him like that.”

Born on 19 April 1933, Dickie’s love for sport began early. He played as a teenager at Barnsley Cricket Club alongside future cricketing star Geoff Boycott and renowned journalist Michael Parkinson.

He joined Yorkshire Cricket Club in 1956, moved to Leicestershire in 1959, and after retiring from playing due to injury, he turned to coaching and eventually umpiring.

His umpiring career spanned over two decades, during which he officiated 66 Test matches and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals.

National Icon

Dickie became a national icon, admired not only for his expertise on the field but also for his warmth, eccentricities, and unmistakable personality.

His autobiography sold over a million copies, cementing his status as a beloved figure in British sport and culture.

Honoured with an MBE in 1986 and later an OBE in 2012 for services to cricket and charity, Dickie also established the Dickie Bird Foundation to help financially disadvantaged young people pursue their sporting dreams.

In 2014, he became President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and received honorary doctorates from Huddersfield, Leeds, and Sheffield Hallam Universities, as well as an honorary fellowship from Bradford College.

Dickie never married, often joking that he had wed himself to cricket, but he leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, humility, and joy.

Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in due course.

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