Umpire Marais Erasmus will retire after second NZ-AUS Test

Ace South African umpire Marais Erasmus is set to retire from officiating cricket matches. The veteran will head out to officiate his final cricket match when the Black Caps take the field against reigning World Test Series champions in the second test in Christchurch. 

He will call time on a decorated career that nearly lasted 17 years. He has stood as the on-field official in 82 men’s Tests, 124 men’s ODI, 43 men T20Is and 18 women T20Is.

He has also essayed the TV umpire role on 131 occasions in the international arena. CSA will decide the matches he works from now on. 

Erasmus has had a distinguished career, officiating in four back to back men’s Cricket World Series editions (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), seven men’s T20 World Series (2009, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2021 and 2022) and three women’s T20 World Series (2010, 2012 and 2014) apart from two men’s Champions League Trophy in 2013 and 2017. He was one of the two on field umpires for the pulsating 2019 final World Series between England and New Zealand and in 2023, he was the umpire, who upheld an appeal that made Angelo Mathews the first batter in international cricket to be timed out. 

“I have had a wonderful time on the Elite Panel, officiating in some top-class matches around the world and in global International Cricket Board events," Erasmus, who was promoted to the elite panel of umpires in 2010, making him along with Rod Tucker the longest serving umpire on the list, said. 

"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 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."

"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," Tucker said, thanking Erasmus on behalf of the Elite panel. "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."

Erasmus was honoured with the David Shepherd Trophy for the Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2021. He made his first appearance in international cricket in February 2006.