ICC Top Boss, Cricketers Pay Tribute To Retiring Rudi Koertzen

Leeds, United Kingdom Tanuja Masand – Top cricket administrators and players around the world hailed Rudi Koertzen as one of cricket’s most respected umpires as the South African prepared to call it a day after the second Test between Pakistan and Australia, which commenced at Headingley Wednesday.

The 61-year-old Koertzen remained in the top league of umpires for more than a decade, officiating in 108 Tests, 209 limited-over internationals and 14 Twenty20 matches.

International Cricket Council chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said in a statement Tuesday that Koertzen was one of the most respected umpires in world cricket and the sports’ world governing body wished him best of luck for the future. Lorgat also said it was “somewhat fitting that Rudi’s final appointment before retiring from the Elite Panel is to officiate in the pinnacle of our great sport, Test cricket.”

Fiery fast bowler of yesteryear Vincent van der Bijl also showered praise on Koertzen, saying the South African had generated a huge fan following with his endearing ways and impeccable record on the cricket field.

Van der Bijl, who also hails from South Africa and was banned from playing international cricket during the apartheid era, added that the entire cricket fraternity will pay tribute to his professionalism, honesty and integrity when he finally walks off the Headingley ground at the conclusion of the Oz-Pak match. The former fast bowler added that Koertzen would continue to be a beacon for those who follow the sport and be remembered for his unique way of giving batsmen out.

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