ICC Salutes Erasmus on His Remarkable Career
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has extended its congratulations to Marais Erasmus on his illustrious career. The South African umpire is set to retire from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires after the second and final Test between New Zealand and Australia, commencing this Friday.
Erasmus, a three-time recipient of the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2021, will be officiating his 82nd Men’s Test match in Christchurch. His career also includes 123 Men’s ODIs, 43 Men’s T20Is and 18 Women’s T20Is.
Having been appointed to the Elite panel in 2010, the 60-year-old shares the title of longest-serving current umpire on the list with Rod Tucker.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice on Erasmus:
“Marais has had an exceptional career as an international umpire. His officiating in numerous global ICC tournaments, including World Cup finals, and high-profile series worldwide, has consistently showcased his skill, calmness and composure, even under the most challenging circumstances.
“Beyond being an excellent umpire, Marais has been a great team player, earning the respect of his colleagues in the ICC and on the Elite panel. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Marais on a fantastic career and wish him success in his future endeavours. His contribution to the game will continue to be invaluable, and I am confident he will remain involved in cricket in the coming years.”
Marais Erasmus Reflects on His Career:
“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.”
Rod Tucker’s Tribute to Erasmus:
“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 in Global ICC Tournaments:
3 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups: 2010, 2012, 2014, standing in the finals of all three