Cricket fans and officials are sending messages of congratulations after veteran umpire Marais Erasmus stood in the final match of his legendary career this past week. The South African officially brought down the curtain on a 26-year career, with his final match as an umpire coming in a list A game between Boland and the Lions in Paarl – in the Western Cape province of his home country.
Erasmus stood in 795 matches across his career, and became one of the most highly respected umpires in world cricket. He officiated 395 matches at international level – 127 Tests, 192 one-day internationals, 61 T20 internationals and 18 women’s T20 internationals.
Marais Erasmus umpired in 14 Ashes Tests and 795 games all up. Image: Getty
He also stood in 66 matches at first-class level, 83 in List A and 248 in domestic T20s. He was in charge of many a match involving Australia – including 14 Ashes Tests – and was part of 15 World Cups.
His last match at international level was a Test between Australia and New Zealand in Christchurch in 2024. “I’m glad that I’ve reached this stage,” the 62-year-old told CricBuzz. “Not that the last two years have been a drag – I’ve enjoyed the mentoring role. But maybe the motivation to be on-field has died since I did my last Test.”
Marais Erasmus was voted umpire of the year on three occassions.
(Getty Images)
Since stepping away from international officiating he’s taken on a mentoring role with other umpires, which he hopes to continue into retirement. The South African said he’s looking forward to travelling with wife Adele – and not having to work while doing so. He’s also locked in some speaking engagements.
“That kind of thing will hopefully still happen, but obviously as I get older and fade into the sunset, my relevance will become less and less,” he said. “I’m glad the end is here. It’s been a long, long journey.”
Cricket world pays tribute to Marais Erasmus
Erasmus was involved in four ODI World Cups and stood in the 2019 final. He also officiated in 11 T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy final in 2017 and IPL final in 2018.
He won the David Shepherd Trophy as world cricket’s best umpire in 2016, 2017 and 2021. Simon Taufel (five) and Richard Illingworth (four) are the only umpires to have won it more, while Aleem Dar and Richard Kettleborough also have three.
Colleague Kumar Dharmasena led the tributes on social media, writing: “Best partner to have.” Another person wrote: “A big hearty congratulations to Marais Erasmus, who retired from all umpiring this past week. The Bolander umpired for 24 years, and was on the ICC Elite Umpiring Panel from 2010 to 2024. Great job, Mr. Erasmus!”