Cricket World Bids Farewell to Legendary Umpire Dickie Bird
BARNSLEY, ENGLAND, 20 October (H.S.): Cricketing luminaries, including Sir Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan, gathered on Sunday to pay their final respects to legendary umpire Harold Dickie Bird at his funeral in his hometown of Barnsley. B
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BARNSLEY, ENGLAND, 20 October (H.S.): Cricketing luminaries, including Sir Geoffrey Boycott and Michael Vaughan, gathered on Sunday to pay their final respects to legendary umpire Harold Dickie Bird at his funeral in his hometown of Barnsley.

Bird, a beloved and iconic figure in the sport, passed away peacefully at home on September 22 at the age of 92.The service was held at St Mary's Church, where mourners and well-wishers lined the streets as the funeral procession paused for a moment of reflection at the statue erected in his honor.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott delivered a heartfelt eulogy, reminiscing about his nearly 70-year friendship with Bird and noting his remarkable transformation from a nervous batsman to a world-class umpire. He was refreshingly different. Eccentric but fair, Boycott said. It would be hard to find anyone who didn't like him.

Bird's career as a player for Yorkshire and Leicestershire was cut short by injury, but he went on to become one of cricket's most respected officials. He umpired in 66 Test matches and three World Cup finals between 1973 and 1996.

Known for his unique mannerisms and unwavering fairness, he was awarded an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 2012 for his services to cricket and charity.Tributes highlighted not only his professional excellence but also his passion for Yorkshire cricket and his generosity, having provided financial support to nearly 1,000 young cricketers, including England international Harry Brook.

Former cricketer Ryan Sidebottom fondly recalled Bird's passion and his naughty suits, calling him a lovely man who would do anything for Yorkshire cricket.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar


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