The cricketing world is mourning the lack of a real legend, as famend England umpire Dickie Chook handed away on the age of 92. Extra than simply an umpire, Chook was a personality beloved for his integrity, unmistakable fashion, and a simple attraction that endeared him to gamers and followers alike. His passing marks the top of an period for a determine who was not simply part of cricket historical past however an integral a part of its coronary heart and soul.
Dickie Chook storied profession past the boundary
Whereas his profession as an umpire introduced him international fame, Chook’s journey in cricket started on the sector. He performed 93 first-class matches as a right-handed batter for Yorkshire and Leicestershire earlier than dedicating his life to officiating. As a global umpire for over twenty years, Chook stood in 66 Exams and 69 ODIs.
He etched his identify into the historical past books by officiating within the first three Males’s ODI World Cup finals, a testomony to his unmatched repute and belief. His profession got here to a becoming finish in 1996, at a Lord’s Take a look at match that famously marked the worldwide debuts of Indian legends Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. Past his officiating, his loyalty to his roots was clear, as he proudly served because the president of The Yorkshire County Cricket Membership.
It’s with profound disappointment that The Yorkshire County Cricket Membership proclaims the passing of Harold Dennis “Dickie” Chook MBE OBE, considered one of cricket’s most beloved figures, who died peacefully at dwelling on the age of 92.
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) September 23, 2025
Dickie Chook: The person within the white coat and a life lived for cricket
Chook was a person of straightforward tastes in a world that was turning into more and more advanced. He was famously outspoken about his dislike for contemporary expertise, admitting to being ‘technically challenged’ and nonetheless preferring money over digital funds. This charmingly old-school method prolonged to his love for custom; because the age of 14, he meticulously maintained a private archive of newspaper clippings, including each article written about him to his assortment.
Regardless of surviving a stroke and a pandemic, Chook lived a disciplined life, with common train and walks, and located pleasure in easy pleasures like scampi and onion rings. He was a well-recognized face, a person who cherished social interactions and was simply acknowledged by each previous associates and younger followers. Chook’s ardour for cricket was a lifelong affair. He as soon as famously stated he was ‘married to cricket,’ and his dedication was evident in each side of his life. Even in his later years, he would journey to look at his beloved Yorkshire play and was a lifelong member of Barnsley Soccer Membership.
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Right here’s how followers reacted:
Everybody on the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to listen to of the passing of Dickie Chook.
A proud Yorkshireman and a much-loved umpire, he will probably be sorely missed.
Relaxation in peace, Dickie 🤍 pic.twitter.com/NHNF9y44Ms
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 23, 2025
A bit poem I did for Dickie Chook; I learn it on @BBCYorkshire this afternoon. I needed it to be loving and nostalgic, like Dickie was. pic.twitter.com/9jgmnElG97
— Ian McMillan (@IMcMillan) September 23, 2025
MCC is deeply saddened to listen to of the loss of life of Harold “Dickie” Chook. An Honorary Life Member of the Membership, Dickie loved an illustrious profession as an umpire and was one of the crucial widespread officers within the historical past of the sport.
He officiated in 66 males’s Take a look at matches and we have been… pic.twitter.com/r22NSrKCAZ— Lord’s Cricket Floor (@HomeOfCricket) September 23, 2025
RIP Dickie Chook, 92.
The best and most legendary umpire in cricket historical past, and a really great character. He cherished the sport with a uncommon all-consuming ardour, and the sport cherished this brilliantly skilled, ebullient, emotional and perfectionist Yorkshireman. Unhappy information. pic.twitter.com/yLr7U5KOkP— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 23, 2025
An emotional Dickie Chook wipes away a tear after being given a guard of honour by England and India initially of his 66th and final Take a look at, Lord’s, June twentieth 1996. He retired from all cricket on the finish of the next summer season pic.twitter.com/J81XSLcKik
— Historic Cricket Footage (@PictureSporting) September 23, 2025
So very sorry to listen to that the nice Dickie Chook has pulled stumps. He was a nationwide treasure and I used to be lucky to have shared some vastly pleasant instances with him over time. At 92 he had a superb innings. Farewell pal. pic.twitter.com/YqWqJZnpTA
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 23, 2025
Unhappy to listen to the passing of the Legendary Umpire Dickie Chook
One of many nice cricketing characters.
Offered a lot enjoyable on the sector#RIPDickie pic.twitter.com/qG8yTCHrGM— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) September 24, 2025
Dickie Chook, you absolute legend of English Cricket. Could you relaxation in peace realizing that you simply have been cherished by all!
I had so many wonderful moments with Dickie.
A exceptional character that will probably be missed dearly! 🙏🏽— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 23, 2025
Cricket misplaced considered one of its brightest souls. Dickie Chook didn’t simply umpire the sport – he owned it with coronary heart, wit and sophistication. Relaxation in peace, legend.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 23, 2025
Farewell to Harold ‘Dickie’ Chook
A Yorkshireman and considered one of cricket’s most beloved umpires, he stood tall within the center throughout many years, officiating in 3 World Cup finals. Well-known for stopping play to let pigeons move and he owned the sport with coronary heart, wit and sophistication. Liked for his… pic.twitter.com/nWUCb85VKi
— Chennai Tremendous Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 24, 2025
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