Rudi Koertzen, former ICC elite-panel umpire, dies at the age 73
Rudi Koertzen, former ICC elite-panel umpire, dies at the age 73, Rudi Koertzen was the former South African umpire. He was a member partner of the ICC’s elite panel. He passed away when he reached the age of 73. He embraced death in a car accident while driving from Cape Town. He was on his route to Despatch in Eastern Cape in South Africa, where he lived with his family.
Koertzen’s son, Rudi Koertzen jr, confirmed the news of his death. “He went on a golf tournament with some of his friends, and they were expected to come back on Monday, but it seems they decided to play another round of golf,” Koertzen Jr stated.
Koertzen was on his way back home after playing a game of weekend golf when this fatal accident happened. Three others also died in the crash in the early morning hours in the region of Riversdale.
Koertzen became an umpire in 1981. He debuted as an international umpire in 1992 during India’s historic tour of South Africa.
Koertzen was appointed as a full-time ICC umpire in 1997. He was a proud member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires. He was also in the role of TV Umpire in the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup finals. He successfully officiated in three Men’s ODI World Cups.
After the 2010 Test match between Australia and Pakistan, he took retirement from international umpiring. He was the on-field umpire in 331 international matches. In this context, he was right behind Aleem Dar. He played the role of TV umpire in 66 matches. He belonged to a group of three umpires to stand in more than 200 ODIs.
Koertzen accepted the ICC Bronze Bails Award for 100 ODIs. He won the ICC Silver Bails Award for 200 ODIs. He bagged the ICC Golden Bails Award for 100 Tests. Koertzen was the first umpire to be in 200 ODIs and 100 Tests. This feat was matched only by Aleem Dar to date.
A tribute was paid to Koertzen. The ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said, “Rudi was among the best umpires of his generation and one player had the utmost respect for. He officiated in international games for close to two decades. And the ICC relied on him for some big matches during this period.”
“Rudi was also very popular among his contemporaries and always willing to help. His contribution to cricket will be remembered for years to come. We send our condolences to his family and friends at his tragic death.”
The South African players wore black armbands in honor of him during their four-day game with England Lions in Canterbury.
“A legend in his own right passed away this morning and will definitely leave a great void in the cricket world,” Despatch Cricket Club stated in tribute today. “We want to express our heartfelt sympathy and empathy to Uncle Rudi Koertzen’s family and loved ones.”
Cricket South Africa chairperson Lawson Naidoo expressed: “Rudi departs at the time when cricket is beginning to enjoy the fruit of his toil. His passing has robbed us of a giant upon [whose] foundation we now stand.”
“While this is a sad day for cricket in South Africa, we are however comforted by the many lessons of servitude and servant leadership he has left behind for us to embody and emulate.”