Legendary cricket umpire Rudi Koertzen has handed away in a automotive accident whereas driving from Cape Town to Despatch in Eastern Cape in South Africa. Koertzen’s son, Rudi Koertzen jr, confirmed the news, stating that his father was returning residence to Despatch after enjoying golf on the weekend.
“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 advised Algoa FM News – a South African web site.
Notably, Koertzen was a part of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires for eight years from 2002 and officiated in 331 worldwide matches. Koertzen was a preferred umpire amongst the cricketers and followers the world over, particularly for his distinctive fashion. He glided by the nickname ‘Slow Death’ as a result of he had a method of taking a while to elevate his finger whereas giving a batter out.
No marvel the tragic loss of life of Koertzen, aged 73, has hit the cricket neighborhood arduous, and a number of gamers – previous and current – took to social media to categorical their unhappiness, admiration and sympathies.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag wrote a heartwarming observe on social media and paid his condolences to Koertzen’s household. Sehwag additionally shared an anecdote about when he had gifted cricket pads to Koertzen’s son.
“Vale Rudi Koertzen! Om Shanti. Condolences to his family. Had a great relation with him. Whenever I used to play a rash shot, he used to scold me, saying, “Play sensibly, I want to watch your batting”.,” Sehwag wrote on Twitter.
“Once, he wanted to buy a particular brand of cricket pads for his son and enquired about it from me. I gifted him, and he was so grateful. A gentleman and a very wonderful person. Will miss you, Rudi. Om Shanti,” he added.
And enquired about it from me. I gifted him and he was so grateful . A gentleman and a really fantastic individual. Will miss you Rudi. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/gdSHGOoYg8
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 9, 2022
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh termed Koertzen one of many most interesting umpires the sport has witnessed whereas paying tribute to him.
“Tragic news of the sudden passing away of Rudi Koertzen. He was a gifted individual and one of the finest umpires the game has witnessed, known for his sharp decision making abilities. My deepest condolences to his family and well wishers #RudiKoertzen,” tweeted Yuvraj.
Tragic news of the sudden passing away of Rudi Koertzen. He was a gifted particular person and one of many most interesting umpires the sport has witnessed, identified for his sharp determination making skills.
My deepest condolences to his household and effectively wishers ?? #RudiKoertzen pic.twitter.com/9mV1V09F7a
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 9, 2022
Popular broadcaster Alan Wilkins took to Twitter and wrote: “Have just heard tragic news out of South Africa that former ICC Test Umpire, Rudi Koertzen, has died in a car accident, aged 73. Rudi was such a personality in the game and an outstanding umpire. Thoughts with Rudi’s family right now. RIP Rudi Koertzen.”
Have simply heard tragic news out of South Africa that former ICC Test Umpire, Rudi Koertzen, has died in a automotive accident, aged 73. Rudi was such a character within the recreation and an impressive umpire. Thoughts with Rudi’s household proper now. RIP Rudi Koertzen.
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) August 9, 2022
Here is how others reacted:
Really unhappy to hear in regards to the passing away of former umpire Rudi Koertzen. He was one of many sharpest and most interesting umpires that we have seen. My deepest condolences to his household. RIP Rudi. pic.twitter.com/vxfZ3z4BcH
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 9, 2022
RIP to among the best Umpire within the World Rudi Koertzen ???. I at all times loved bowling from his finish. Condolences to the household and associates #RipRudi pic.twitter.com/WxqbfbDfGG
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) August 9, 2022
Saddened on the tragic lack of Rudi Koertzen. What an exquisite pal and umpire. Honest, forthright and cherished the sport. Shared many a beer on the bar speaking cricket with him. RIP my pal.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) August 9, 2022
Saddened to know in regards to the sudden demise of umpire Rudi Koertzen he was , forthright and educated umpire had shared some fantastic moments with him on and off the sphere . My deepest condolences to the household. RIP .
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 9, 2022
MCC is deeply saddened to study of the loss of life of Honorary Life Member and former umpire, Rudi Koertzen.
Our ideas are along with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/A4y0oCxLpl
— Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) August 9, 2022
Was a terrific umpire. Rest in peace, Rudi Koertzen. We will miss you. https://t.co/WmaB1sE4JC
— ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) August 9, 2022
Your childhood as a cricket fan could be incomplete should you hadn’t imitated Rudi Koertzen’s sluggish finger elevate ?
Rest in peace, Rudi. pic.twitter.com/HHXxmmN3rQ
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 9, 2022
One of cricket’s most iconic umpires is not any extra. ?
Our prayers are with the household and associates of Rudi Koertzen.May his soul relaxation in peace. pic.twitter.com/m31IPykyz5
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) August 9, 2022
Rudi Koertzen dies aged 73 years. A prime umpire, he had adopted cricket first as a league participant whereas being a clerk with South Africa Railways. Starting his umpiring profession in 1981, he retired in 2010. He umpired in 108 Tests, 209 ODIs & 14 T20 Internationals. RIP pic.twitter.com/l3L4rwSaMN
— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) August 9, 2022
Just learn in regards to the passing away of Rudi Koertzen in a automotive crash . Certainly one of many prime Umpires to have appeared on worldwide scene . Thoughts and prayers with the household .
— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) August 9, 2022
RIP Rudi Koertzen ?
The umpire has sadly handed on the age of 73 and might be remembered for his iconic ‘sluggish finger’ ? pic.twitter.com/mFry06XOaP
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) August 9, 2022