Marais Erasmus retired from umpiring ICC congratulates Erasmus for a wonderful career: 60-year-old Marais Erasmus will bring his illustrious umpiring journey to an umpiring break during the second Test of the ICC World Test Championship series between New Zealand and Australia starting this Friday.
The International Cricket Council has congratulated Marais Erasmus on his outstanding career as the South African retires from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires after the second and final Test against New Zealand and Australia starting on Friday.
Erasmus, who won the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2021, will play his 82nd men’s Test match in Christchurch. He has also umpired in 123 men’s ODIs, 43 men’s T20Is and 18 women’s T20Is.
He was appointed to the elite panel in 2010, making him – along with Rod Tucker – the longest-serving current umpire on the list.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardyce praised Erasmus for an illustrious career which has seen him umpire at numerous ICC events over the years.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice: “Marais has had an outstanding career as an international umpire. 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.”
Erasmus reflected on his time on the panel and thanked his colleagues for supporting him over the years.
Marais Erasmus: “I have had a wonderful time on the Elite Panel, officiating in some top-class matches around the world and in global ICC events.
“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.
“I thank the ICC, CSA and my colleagues on the panel for their backing over the years. I also want to thank my wife Adéle, boys Chris and Geo, and all our relatives and friends for their support and encouragement.”
Umpire Tucker thanked Erasmus on behalf of the Elite Panel and wished him all the best for the future.
Rod Tucker: “Marais epitomises what the Elite Panel is supposed to be. He is the type of person that immediately makes you feel welcome in his presence. His personality off the field is what you see on the field. He can calm everyone, and you feel at ease in his company.
“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.
“I have been very good friends with Marais since we first met in 2009 during an umpires’ exchange programme and been privileged to have been inducted on the Elite Panel along with him in 2010.
“It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Marais as he will not be part of our panel moving forward.”
Marais Erasmus umpiring Global ICC Tournaments:
| Tournament | Year(s) | Notable Matches Officiated |
| ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup | 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 | Final of 2019: England vs. New Zealand (Lord’s) |
| ICC Men’s Champions Trophy | 2013, 2017 | Final of 2017: India vs. Pakistan (The Oval) |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022 | Finals of 2021: Australia vs. New Zealand <br> Finals of 2022: England vs. Pakistan |
| ICC Women’s T20 World Cup | 2010, 2012, 2014 | Finals of all three tournaments |
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