Mourners gather for legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird's funeral after his death aged 92

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By ARTHUR PARASHAR, SENIOR REPORTER

Published: 14:45 BST, 19 October 2025 | Updated: 15:07 BST, 19 October 2025

Mourners have gathered for legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird's funeral after his death aged 92.

Former players including ex-England and Yorkshire batsmen Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott were among those who arrived to pay their respects at St Mary's Church in Bird's hometown of Barnsley.

Bird, who was perhaps the most famous official in any sport, died on September 22. 

Harold 'Dickie' Bird died at the age of 92, Yorkshire Cricket Club confirmed last month

St Mary's Church, Barnsley, is pictured ahead of the funeral service for Dickie Bird

Former England captain Michael Vaughan arrives at St Mary's Church, Barnsley, for the funeral service of former cricket umpire Dickie Bird

The legendary umpire passed away peacefully at the age of 92

As a cricketer, Bird played 93 first-class matches as a batsman for Yorkshire and Leicestershire in a nine-year career ended prematurely by injury in 1964. 

But it was as an international umpire that he made his name, eventually standing in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs, including three World Cup finals.

A fervent royalist who claimed to have met the Queen 29 times, he was made an MBE in 1986 and an OBE 26 years later, in recognition of his contribution to the sport.

Known for his good humour in his individual officiating style, Bird was deservedly referred to as a 'national treasure' in a statement shared by Yorkshire in the wake of his death. 

‘Dickie Bird became a national treasure, known not only for his umpiring excellence but also for his eccentricities and warmth,' the statement read.  

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