Media release
The International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrates the remarkable career of Marais Erasmus as he retires from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires. Erasmus, a highly respected umpire from South Africa, is set to officiate his final match in the second and final Test between New Zealand and Australia, which commences on Friday.
Throughout his illustrious career, Erasmus has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. He was honored with the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year in 2016, 2017, and 2021, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in the field.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice commended Erasmus for his exceptional contribution to the sport, emphasizing his dedication and ability to consistently deliver fair and accurate decisions. Erasmus’ outstanding career saw him officiate in various ICC events, impacting the game.
Among his many achievements, Erasmus has officiated 82 Men’s Test matches, 123 Men’s One Day Internationals (ODIs), 43 Men’s Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and 18 Women’s T20Is.
Furthermore, he has been involved in significant marquee tournaments, including four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, and 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, and 2014). Erasmus was one of the on-field umpires during the thrilling final-over encounter between England and New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup Final.
As Marais Erasmus steps away from his distinguished career, the ICC celebrates his remarkable service and the indelible mark he has left on international cricket.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice: “Marais has had an outstanding career as an international umpire. He has officiated in many global ICC tournaments, including World Cup finals, as well as high-profile series all over the world, at all times displaying his skill, calmness and composure, even in the most challenging of situations.
“He has not only been an excellent umpire but also a fine team man who is respected by his colleagues in the ICC and on the Elite panel. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Marais on a superb career and wish him all the success in his future pursuits. He still has a lot to give to the game and I am sure he will continue to be involved in cricket in the years to come.”

Reflecting on his time on the esteemed panel, Marais Erasmus expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his colleagues throughout his illustrious career. With sincerity and warmth, Erasmus acknowledged the camaraderie and professional guidance that enriched and made his journey memorable.
Erasmus graciously thanked the ICC, Cricket South Africa (CSA), and his fellow panel members for their constant encouragement and backing over the years. He paid special tribute to the lasting connections he formed, noting his colleagues’ invaluable role in shaping his career and contributing to his success.
Moreover, Erasmus shared his deep appreciation for his family, particularly his wife Adéle, sons Chris and Geo, and his extended network of relatives and friends. He emphasized that their unconditional love and understanding allowed him to pursue his passion for umpiring despite the challenges of balancing a demanding international career with his personal life.
As he steps away from the field, Marais Erasmus leaves a legacy of excellence, integrity, and sportsmanship. His impact on the world of cricket and the countless individuals he has inspired will be remembered long after his retirement. He now embarks on the next chapter of his life with the same zeal and commitment that defined his celebrated umpiring career.
Marais Erasmus: “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.
“I thank the ICC, CSA and my colleagues on the panel for their backing over the years. I also want to thank my wife Adéle, boys Chris and Geo, and all our relatives and friends for their support and encouragement.”
Umpire Tucker thanked Erasmus on behalf of the Elite Panel and wished him all the best for the future.
Rod Tucker: “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.
“I have been very good friends with Marais since we first met in 2009 during an umpires’ exchange programme and been privileged to have been inducted on the Elite Panel along with him in 2010.
“It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Marais as he will not be part of our panel moving forward.”
Marais Erasmus’ International Umpiring Career in ICC Events
Marais Erasmus has had a distinguished career as an umpire in global ICC tournaments. Some of his notable appointments include:
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups: Erasmus has officiated in 4 (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023), including the 2019 final between England and New Zealand at Lord’s.
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy: He has umpired in 2 Champions Trophy tournaments (2013 and 2017), including the 2017 final featuring India and Pakistan at The Oval.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cups: Erasmus has been involved in seven T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, and 2022), including umpiring the 2021 final between Australia and New Zealand and the 2022 final featuring England and Pakistan.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cups: He has also officiated in three Women’s T20 World Cups (2010, 2012, and 2014), and he has reached the finals of all three tournaments.
These highlights demonstrate Marais Erasmus’ extensive experience and achievements as an international cricket umpire across multiple ICC events.
Give your favorite player a boost! Visit our site to show how much you believe in them.
Top Cricket News | Cricket World Cup | Cricket World Cup News | Bangladesh Premier League | Big Bash League | India Priemier League | Pakistan Super League | T20 Blast