South African umpire Shaun George has retired from officiating in domestic and international cricket.
George’s umpiring career of 20-plus years ended with Tuesday’s T20I between South Africa and the West Indies and Johannesburg.
He officiated in 50 men’s T20Is and 60 men’s ODIs.
“Everyone reaches a stage where they know they’ve had enough and I’m now at that point. It’s time to hand the baton over and give other guys the opportunity,” said George.
‘I never expected to get to so many internationals’
George also officiated in 26 women’s ODIs and 21 women’s T20Is. He went to five Women’s World Cups and, in 2017, officiated in the final between England and India at Lord’s in London.
“That match is definitely one of my highlights. But my most memorable moment has to be that first ODI between South Africa and Australia on my home ground St George’s Park in 2011,” he added.
“That was quite special, to do it in familiar surroundings of where I grew up with so many people that I knew all around me.
“Overall, I must say, however, that I was afforded a wonderful opportunity through cricket and I am extremely grateful for it. When I started out, I never expected to get to so many internationals, not forgetting all the local and domestic games I stood in both at home 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.”
‘My family has been immense’
As part of a Cricket South Africa’s exchange programme, George also officiated in domestic matches in New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India.
“My family has been immense and a great support. We always say that without their support we wouldn’t have achieved what we have achieved,” continued George.
“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.”
‘I want people to benefit from me as a mentor’
George will continue working with the International Cricket Council’s Africa branch – and help develop officials in other countries on the continent.
“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,” said George.
“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.”
What CSA said about George
“Shaun has been the pillar of the umpiring eco-system. He brought into his craft passion, dedication, and excellence,” said CSA chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki.
“These endurable traits have garnered him respect and admiration both locally and internationally. It is through 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 budding umpires.
“His innings have made an indelible impact on us and cricket at large. We wish him well on his well-deserved retirement.”