- Happy Birthday David Shepherd (December 27, 1940- October 27, 2009)
On December 27, 1940, cricket’s most docile and recognizable figure, David Robert Shepherd, widely known as David Shepherd was born in Bideford, England. Shepherd, who never played an international game for his country, was once a part of Gloucestershire cricket county before trying his hand in umpiring, where he peaked in his career.
In cricketing history, he still holds the record of officiating in six World Cups, ranging from 1983 to 2003, including three finals in 1996, 1999 and 2003. He, in whole, took charge of 92 Tests and 172 One Day Internationals in his career span of 24 years. The legendary umpire stood last in an international game in 2005.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) now has an award after his name, called as David Shepherd Trophy, which is given to the best elected umpire every year, and in 2016 it was bestowed to South Africa’s Marais Erasmus.
On October 27, 2009, Shepherd lost his battle against cancer and thus took his last breath.