The former England cricketer and international umpire was involved in three World Cup finals

A number of rare items belonging to the late great cricket icon Dickie Bird are set to go under the hammer this month.

placeholder image — A number of rare items belonging to the late great cricket icon Dickie Bird are set to go under the hammer this month. | Getty Images

The Barnsley-born cricketer, who played in the same team as famous chat-show host Michael Parkinson as a boy, played professionally between 1956 and 1964, enjoying a career as a batsman for the likes of Yorkshire and Leicestershire while also featuring internationally for England.

He umpired his first county game in 1970 after retirement and went on to oversee 66 Test matches (at the time a world record) in the 26-years that followed while notably being the umpire for as many as three World Cup finals.

Personal items from national treasure cricket umpire Dickie Bird OBE are up for auction. Items direct from his Yorkshire home include memorabilia including international cricket caps, sweaters, match balls, as well as umpire coats. Credit: Budds

Bird, who died in September 2025 at the age of 92, was well-regarded among former players and the general public, not only due to his high standards as an umpire but also for his humour and eccentricity.

He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1986 and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2012 New Year Honours for services to cricket and charity, and also notably received honorary doctorates from Huddersfield, Leeds and Sheffield Hallam Universities.

Martin Crowe black New Zealand international cricket cap by AlbionC&D, L, with M D. CROWE N.Z.C.C. written in blue ink on the inside of the cap,embroidered New Zealand badge, black and white. £1,200 – £1,800. //Personal items from national treasure cricket umpire Dickie Bird OBE are up for auction. Items direct from his Yorkshire home include memorabilia including international cricket caps, sweaters, match balls, as well as umpire coats. Credit: Budds

Bird’s white coats are along a haul of personal items belonging to or associated with the national treasure which are up for sale. Other notable items include a 1975 England versus Australia Test match cricket ball, estimated to sell for £300 to £400, and Test & County Cricket Board sleeveless and long-sleeved cricket sweaters, valued at between £250 and £350.

David Convery of Budds said: “We are truly honoured to be entrusted with this fabulous collection of poignant items from the home of the legendary, the one and only, the irreplaceable Dickie Bird OBE.”

The auction will feature 167 lots and will take place on Tuesday July 21. It will be held at Leyland Trading Estate in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.