Umpire Shaun George has announced his retirement from the sport, ending a distinguished profession that spanned over 20 years.
ALSO READ: Miller completely satisfied to decide on Proteas over Gujarat
The veteran match-official stood in his fiftieth and last Twenty20 worldwide when the Proteas took on West Indies within the third T20I on the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.
The 55-year-old was additionally a standing umpire in 60 One-Day Internationals (ODI), the final of which got here between Namibia and Nepal in Windhoek throughout December.
“Everyone reaches a stage where they know they’ve had enough and I’m now at that point,” George mentioned.
“It’s time to hand the baton over and give other guys the opportunity.”
ALSO READ: Klaasen earns The Hundred choose
One of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) most revered umpires, he officiated in over 100 first-class matches, 171 List A or one-day video games and 206 T20s.
He additionally was concerned in 26 girls’s ODIs and 21 T20s, together with going to 5 ICC Women’s World Cups.
Greatest honours
Among his best honours was being the standing umpire alongside Gregory Brathwaite of West Indies when England performed India at Lord’s within the 2017 World Cup last.
“That match is definitely one of my highlights,” George recounted.
“But my most memorable second needs to be that first ODI between South Africa and Australia on my house floor St George’s Park (in Gqeberha on 23 October 2011).
“That was fairly particular, to do it in acquainted environment of the place I grew up with so many individuals that I knew throughout me.
“Overall, I have to say, nonetheless, that I used to be afforded an exquisite alternative by cricket and I’m extraordinarily grateful for it. When I began out, I by no means anticipated to get to so many Internationals, not forgetting all of the native and home video games I stood in each at house and internationally.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world through cricket, I’ve been fortunate enough to officiate in international matches, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy what I’ve been provided with and I mean there’s plenty guys that may not get to do what I did, so I’m really just thankful to have been involved in something that I love.”
ALSO READ: Migala will get IPL probability
As a part of a CSA trade programme, George additionally received to face in home cricket matches in New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.
He additionally praised his household for affording him the chance to spend time away from house.
WATCH: Everything goes to be alright for floor employees
“They have been immense,” he defined.
“My family has been a great support. We always say that without their support we wouldn’t have achieved what we have achieved. Just their understanding means so much. Being away from home for such a long time, we’re ever so grateful to them for understanding and giving me that opportunity. So, we are looking forward to spending time together from here onwards.”
Shaun George doesn’t have any quick plans
George, who can also be a former participant himself, doesn’t have any quick plans, however will proceed to work with the ICC’s Africa department to assist develop officers in different international locations on the continent.
BIG READ: Test cricket demise: Fans should take a number of the blame
“I’m doing some work with the ICC Africa branch at the moment where I am an educator for them, helping to train umpires in Africa starting from next month,” he added.
“There’s obviously so much of experience and so much that I’ve achieved. I’d like to share that with everyone that wants it really. I want people to benefit from me as a mentor or an advisor, just so that we can assist in bringing them through.”
Thanking Shaun George for his contribution to the cricket, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki mentioned: “Shaun has been the pillar of the umpiring ecosystem. He introduced into his craft ardour, dedication, and excellence. These endurable traits have garnered him respect and admiration each domestically and internationally. It is thru his immense contribution that South Africa’s umpiring enjoys the acclaim it does.
“We thank Shaun for his tenacity, temperament for the game and selfless mentoring of buddying umpires. His innings have made an indelible impact on us and cricket at large. We wish him well on his well-deserved retirement.”
ALSO READ: Temba Bavuma laments dearth of Test cricket
