The former South African cricketer Marais Erasmus is set to retire from his umpiring career after the second test of Australia’s tour of New Zealand 2024.
Marais Erasmus Announces Retirement
The 60-year-old Marais Erasmus will serve as umpire for one final time on the second test between Australia and New Zealand.
He began his umpiring career during the year 2006 and has officiated over 380 matches. He was appointed to the ICC elite panel of umpires on the year 2010 and emerged as the longest-serving current umpire alongside Rod Tucker.
“I have had a wonderful time on the Elite Panel, officiating in some top-class matches around the world and in global ICC events,” said Marais.
I am very fortunate to have continued my association with the game after my time as a cricketer in South Africa and have enjoyed every moment.
“While I will miss being on the Elite Panel and the challenges that come with it, I feel it is time for me to step away and look to contribute to the game in some other way.
Erasmus had a well-established career in umpiring by winning the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC award in the umpire category during the years, 2016, 2017, and 2021.
🏅 Marais Erasmus, a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, is the 2021 ICC Umpire of the Year 👏
All the announced awards so far 👉 https://t.co/2SczDfXxGP pic.twitter.com/zaC0BSyMXf
— ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2022
He has been the official umpire during the ICC ODI World Cup matches in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He has officiated for seven T20 World Cups.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice has congratulated the umpire for his career over the years.
“Marais has had an outstanding career as an international umpire,” Allardice said.
“He has officiated in many global ICC tournaments, including World Cup finals, as well as high-profile series all over the world, at all times displaying his skill, calmness, and composure, even in the most challenging of situations.
“He has not only been an excellent umpire but also a fine team man who is respected by his colleagues in the ICC and on the Elite panel. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Marais on a superb career and wish him all the success in his future pursuits.”
“He still has a lot to give to the game and I am sure he will continue to be involved in cricket in the years to come.”
Fellow elite panel Umpire Rot Tucker summed up Erasmus’s career stating that they “epitomize what the Elite Panel is supposed to be”.
“I think the greatest compliment I could give Marais is that he would be mentioned in the same breath as the great David Shepherd, both so calm but very strong and so well respected by all those in the game.”
Australia won the first match of the test series against New Zealand. Both sides are looking for the victory in second test which is set to start on March 08 at Hagley Oval.
