Britain's longest-serving cricket umpire, Keith Dibb, has returned to the crease for his 75th season at the age of 90. The Leeds pensioner is believed to be the oldest umpire in the country and has officiated over 1,000 matches in his career, including stints in Australia, New Zealand and Barbados.
Despite two shoulder operations and a knee replacement, Dibb continues to don his white coat every weekend. However, due to his recent knee surgery, the league has asked him to mentor new officials rather than umpire, a role he is embracing. 'I'm not as sharp as I was,' he told The Mirror. 'I will be showing people the ropes.'
Dibb's passion for cricket began at age 13 when he joined a local side in North Yorkshire. He later sneaked into Headingley to watch Don Bradman score an unbeaten 173 for Australia. His wife, who died from coronavirus after 59 years of marriage, often supported him by making teas for 25 years.
Dibb recounted a controversial incident where a player abused him for slowing the game. After warning the player, Dibb sent him off under ECB regulations. The player refused to leave, but teammates eventually escorted him off and proceeded to kick him. Dibb called the police, who arrived within five minutes, and the player was banned by the league.
A supporter of women's cricket, Dibb recalled a girl who took four wickets at Headingley ten years ago, noting it was 'silly' that cricket was once seen as only a gentleman's game.
