South Africa’s Marais Erasmus will retire from foreign refereeing after officiating today and the final test between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch, which begins on Friday. (More cricket news)
Erasmus, 60, whose long career as an arbitrator began in 2006, announced on Thursday his decision to leave the Emirates’ ICC’s elite arbitration panel.
“I’ve had a blast on the elite panel, refereeing some high-profile matches around the world and at global ICC events,” Erasmus said ahead of his final trial as a referee.
“I’m very fortunate to have remained involved with the game after my time as a cricketer in South Africa and to have enjoyed every moment of it.
While I’m going to miss being part of the elite panel and the demanding situations that come with it, I think it’s time for me to step away and look to contribute to the game in other ways. “
The second Test between Australia and New Zealand will be his 380th as an official referee, making his 131st as a TV referee.
Erasmus, a former first-class cricketer, was appointed to the ICC’s elite referees panel in 2010, making him the longest-serving referee on the list, alongside Rod Tucker.
The Christchurch test will be Erasmus’ 82nd test as a referee, placing him tenth on the list of referees who will officiate the top tests.
Erasmus, who won the David Shepherd ICC Referee of the Year Trophy in 2016, 2017 and 2021, has refereed at 4 World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023), seven T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014), 2016, 2021 and 2022) and two Champions Trophy tournaments in 2013 and 2017 in men’s cricket.
She has refereed 3 Women’s T20 World Cups (2010, 2012, 2014).
Notably, Erasmus was one of two referees on the pitch of the dramatic 2019 ODI World Cup final between England and New Zealand. He was also a referee in the last two T20 World Cup finals in 2021 and 2022.
BY PTI
She also officiated the final of the three T20 Women’s World Cups in which she coached and was one of the on-field referees of the high-octane final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy between India and Pakistan.
Congratulating the South African on his remarkable career, ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said: “Marais has had a remarkable career as a foreign referee.
“He has refereed in many ICC global tournaments, including World Cup finals, as well as high-profile series around the world, showcasing his talent, calmness and composure, even in the most difficult situations.
“He is not only a perfect referee, but also a wonderful team player with a good reputation through his colleagues in the ICC and the Elite Panel. “
Erasmus has been an on-field referee for 25 ODI World Cup matches, 33 T20 World Cup matches, 18 T20 Women’s World Cup matches and six ICC Champions Trophy matches. He has played in seven ICC finals.