"We are sad to hear the news of Mike's passing and our thoughts go out to the members of his family and friends," said ICC Chief Executive David Richardson.
"Mike was a fine cricketer, a successful administrator at the Kent County Cricket Club and a vital member of our panel of match referees in the mid-90s.
"Mike will always be remembered as an outstanding servant of our sport," he added.
Denness represented England in 28 Tests, 19 as captain, and scored 1,667 runs at an average of just under 40. He also played in 12 One-Day Internationals and captained England in the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 in England.
Denness is also remembered for his controversial decision to penalise six Indian players during the 2001/2002 tour of South Africa. This prompted the Indian and South African boards to ban Denness from officiating in the next match.
The ICC subsequently withdrew Test status from the game.