Marais Erasmus gets his flowers from the ICC

The International Cricket Council has lauded South African umpire Marais Erasmus on an outstanding career. 

The South African official retires from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires after the second and final Test between New Zealand and Australia which starts on Friday.

Marais Erasmus gets his flowers

Erasmus, who won the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2021, will be standing in his 82nd Men’s Test match in Christchurch. 

He has also officiated in 123 Men’s ODIs, 43 Men’s T20Is and 18 Women’s T20Is.

The 60-year-old was also 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 Allardice praised Erasmus for a superb career that saw him officiate in several ICC events over the years.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice firstly said: “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.

Allardice also said: “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.”

An epic career as a respected figure in the game

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.

He also said: “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 also 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 in global ICC Tournaments

4 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups – 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023, including the 2019 final at Lord’s between England and New Zealand

2 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournaments – 2013 and 2017, including the 2017 final between India and Pakistan at The Oval

7 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups – 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2022, including the 2021 final between Australia and New Zealand and the 2022 final between England and Pakistan

3 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups: 2010, 2012, 2014, standing in the finals of all three