Veteran umpire from South Africa Marais Erasmus has announced his retirement from international umpiring, culminating a remarkable career spanning across formats.
Cricket umpire Marais Erasmus bids farewell to International arena
In an exclusive interview to Cricbuzz, Erasmus, known for his stellar contributions to the game, said that the decision to step down was made in October of the previous year and has officially communicated his retirement plan to the International Cricket Council (ICC). Currently officiating in the Test series between New Zealand and Australia, Erasmus’s retirement will mark the end of an era in international umpiring.
“I’ll miss the privileges and the travelling. But I’ve had enough of being away and living outside of my comfort zone. I think having a more boring life is what I’m looking for. I decided in October last year and I informed the ICC that I would finish my contract in April and that would be that,” Erasmus said.
Prolific officiating career: Numbers that define Erasmus’s legacy
Erasmus, who transitioned from a seam-bowling all-rounder to an umpire, has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His impressive record includes officiating in 80 Tests, 124 ODIs, and 43 T20Is for men, along with contributing to 18 women’s T20Is. His role as the TV umpire in 131 men’s internationals across formats added further depth to his illustrious career.
Beyond retirement: Erasmus’s future endeavors in Cricket
Erasmus further disclosed his post-retirement plans. After a well-deserved sabbatical, he intends to collaborate with Cricket South Africa, bringing his expertise to officiate in domestic cricket. Furthermore, Erasmus expressed his eagerness to assume a mentorship role for umpires in his home country.
“For the first couple of months, I’m just going to take the winter off. We have some travel planned domestically, and from September I’ll be in the hands of CSA,” the 60-year-old added.
“We still need to finalise how they want to use me. I’ll umpire in domestic cricket next season and play a mentoring role. I might go to the Khaya Majola Week (a school event) or the club championships, and I’ll be watching and advising umpires,” Erasmus concluded.
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A triumphant legacy in Cricket officiating
Erasmus’s exceptional contributions were duly recognized with three ICC Umpire of the Year awards in 2016, 2017, and 2021. This achievement places him among the elite, sharing the spotlight with Richard Kettle borough and Aleem Dar, while Simon Taufel leads with five honours. Erasmus joined the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2010, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of cricket officiating
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Marais Erasmus has been a pillar in the international scene as an umpire and his retirement will be a loss to important series and tournaments around the world
Stellar job Marais 🫡 pic.twitter.com/fb7oZJ20Go
— Werner (@Werries_) February 29, 2024
Marais Erasmus officiating in his final international match between New Zealand and Australia.
– He made his umpiring debut 18 years back, one of the greatest umpires! 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/lcqGuJd7Rl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 29, 2024
Damn Marais Erasmus is retiring…
— Dr William Hebblewhite (@Whebblewhite) February 29, 2024
marais erasmus:
thank you for your service. one of the most iconic umpires within the game. sorry if any journalists ask you about your close friendship with taylor swift.
have a great retirement, king of our hearts ♥️ pic.twitter.com/H49PE65fdL
— Abi Slade (@abi_slade) February 29, 2024
Well, Marais Erasmus calls it a day on his international umpiring career post the Trans-Tasman Test series.
Personally was a fan of him, always felt he was with the bowlers while deciding on close calls.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/XVK3yG3sGb
— Pranav Nair (@leg_gully) February 29, 2024
Marais Erasmus is a well-known cricket umpire from South Africa. He has officiated in various international cricket matches. Erasmus is recognized for his expertise and experience in umpiring top-level cricket matches around the world. Happy Retirement.
— Lokesh (@Myself_Lokesh) February 29, 2024
MASSIVE LOSS to world #cricket 🏏
Congratulations #MaraisErasmus on an unbelievable Domestic 🇿🇦 and International 🌎 Umpiring career…👏🏻 ENJOY #retirement and hopefully in some way you’ll not be totally lost to the great game…! pic.twitter.com/vzGExHEaOn
— Dave Nosworthy (@DONCRICKET) February 29, 2024
Marais Erasmus bids farewell to International Cricket umpiring after Illustrious Career.
Test series between New Zealand and Australia will be his last.
He started his international umpiring career in 2006, he has stood in 80 Tests, 124 ODIs and 43 T20Is played by men, in 18… pic.twitter.com/mu2klzLNiu
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) February 29, 2024
One of the greatest umpires I’ve seen! Thank you for all you’ve done! You will always gonna be counted in a greatest umpires of all time! Cheers! 🫶🏻✨#MaraisErasmus #NZvAUS #NZvsAUS https://t.co/dhExJ4J3Ml
— Utkarsh Raj (@utkrshhrj) February 29, 2024
Veteran South African umpire, Marais Erasmus, a three-time ICC Award winner, is set to retire from international cricket after the 1st Test between New Zealand and Australia. Erasmus made his umpiring debut in a T20I match between South Africa and Australia in February 2006.… pic.twitter.com/NuxDWaZmIl
— 90’s Cricket Lover (@90scricketlover) February 29, 2024
Marais Erasmus umpiring his last Test match between Australia and New Zealand.
One of the best umpires ever, he began his career as an umpire eighteen years ago! 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/rJiQnNoBvk
— Momtahan Karim (@Karimmomtahan) February 29, 2024
