Marais Erasmus Retirement: Legendary South African umpire Marais Erasmus is officiating his final international match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand. Erasmus, an esteemed member of the ICC's elite panel of umpires, made a significant impact on international cricket. With the 60-year-old stepping down, Adrian Holdstock will be the sole South African umpire on the ICC's elite panel, marking the end of an illustrious era for Erasmus.
Erasmus has been honored with the David Shepherd Trophy, the prestigious award for cricket umpires, on three occasions. This accolade is bestowed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to recognize excellence in umpiring.
In a candid conversation with Cricbuzz, Erasmus disclosed that he had made the decision to step down from his umpiring duties in October of the previous year and had duly informed the ICC about his choice.
"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 told Cricbuzz.
Speaking with Cricbuzz, Erasmus shared, "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."
"To have seen the best players and been to the iconic venues and World Cups is a massive privilege. It's been quite a journey from being a schoolboy who kept score while watching Eddie Barlow play at Newlands," Erasmus added.
Erasmus has been honored with the ICC Umpire of the Year award three times (in 2016, 2017, and 2021), placing him second only to Australia's Simon Taufel, who has won the title five times.
Notably, Erasmus has officiated in 80 red-ball games, 124 ODIs, and 43 T20Is as an on-field umpire. Following his retirement from international umpiring, Erasmus is expected to continue officiating in the South African domestic circuit.