Umpire Erasmus to retire after second New Zealand-Australia Test

The second Test between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch, starting on Friday (March 8), will be Marais Erasmus’ last international fixture as an umpire. The 60-year-old from South Africa will end his career having officiated in 82 men's Tests, 124 men's ODIs, 43 men's T20Is and 18 women's T20Is. He also acted as the TV umpire in 131 international games. 

Erasmus was appointed to the Elite panel of ICC umpires in 2010, making him the joint-longest serving current umpire on the list, alongside Rod Tucker. A highlight of his career was winning the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2021.

He officiated in four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), seven ICC Men’s T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2022) and three ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2010, 2012, 2014) aside from two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy tournaments in 2013 and 2017.

He was also one of the two on-field umpires for the dramatic final of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019 between England and New Zealand. He was also in charge in the final of all three Women’s T20 World Cups he officiated in and was one of the on-field umpires in the high-octane 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan.

"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,” said Erasmus.

Meanwhile, fellow Elite panel umpire Tucker said: “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."