The iconic cricket referee Dickie Bird died at the age of 92.
Harold Bird, known as Dickie, was perhaps the most famous referee in the world during his time those international matches of 1973-1996 officer.
In a statement on social media, Yorkshire County Cricket Club wrote: ‘It is with deep sadness that the Yorkshire County Cricket Club announces the death of Harold Dennis’ Dickie ‘Bird Mbe Obe, one of the most popular figures of Cricket, who died peacefully at the age of 92.’
The club added: ‘Dickie Bird became a national treasure, not only known for his referee excellence, but also for its eccentricities and warmth.
“He leaves a legacy of sportiness, humility and joy – and a legion of admirers about generations.
‘The thoughts of everyone in the Yorkshire County Cricket Club are at this time with Dickie’s family and friends.
“He will really be missed by everyone in the club after having spent an incredible amount of time to support everyone here and will be remembered as one of the greatest characters in the history of Yorkshire.”
Bird was born in Barnsley in April 1933 and club Cricket played with TV icon Michael Parkinson and future English star Geoffrey Boycott.
He then played first -class cricket for Yorkshire and Leicestershire, but it is for his career as a referee he is best known for.
He started referee at provincial level in 1970 and made the move to his first test match in 1973, in the official of England versus New Zealand in Headingley.
Bird would have a total of 66 tests from 1973-96 and 69 One Day Internationals from 73-95.
As a referee, he was in the very first World Cup final in 1975, won two more World Cup Final by the West -India against Australia at Lord’s, with the referee.
Bird’s last test match was between England and India in Lord’s in 1996, said when he left the field: “Well, that’s it, Dickie Lad. Rounded. Over and out. ‘
A tribute to Bird on his last test on the website of the official gentleman is: ‘Trust because of his flawless healthy judgment, his calm and honest way in the field, his brutal humor and his ability to make a joke and make one, Dickie Bird was loved by players and spectators.
In 1986 Bird received the MBE and in 2012 the OBE, for services to cricket and charity.
A bird image was founded in 2009 in his hometown Barnsley. He became president of Yorkshire CCC in 2014.
Tribute from the cricket world Street quickly in for Bird, with a statement from England Cricket lecture: ‘Everyone of the cricket board of England and Wales is deeply sad to hear from the death of Dickie Bird.
‘A proud Yorkshireman and a beloved referee, he will be missed very much. Rest in Peace, Dickie. ‘
Former England -captain Michael Vaughan wrote: “Such a sad loss … Mr Yorkshire will always be remembered.”
Geoffrey Boycott posted: ‘I know Dickie for almost 70 years as a friend. When I was 15, I was brought to Barnsley Cricket Club by my uncle Algy.
‘I was awe for him because Dickie was the starbatman every week and he made half a century to get a collection.
“He was a very good technical batsman, but the nerves got better when he performed to play for YCCC and he could never hold a place in the first team.
‘Surprising for those who knew him well, when he became a first class referee, he was absolutely brilliant.
“He made light of his nerves, even channeled them to make a success of referees. Players around the world respected and admired him for his firmness, honesty and he did it with a sense of humor.
“He was loved by so many and became a legend. Rip Dickie. ‘
Seen regularly in supporting his local team Barnsley, Club CEO Jon Flatman said: ‘Barnsley has lost a legend of the sports world today. Dickie had an incredible life, and Barnsley, as a city and football club, meant a lot to him.
“He was challengingly passionate about his roots here in Barnsley and his journey, making him one of the most famous cricket referees in the world. All our thoughts in the club go to Dickie’s family and those who are closest to him in this difficult time. ‘
#Legendary #cricket #referee #Dickie #Bird #dies #years