Cricket fraternity condoles the demise of legendary South African umpire Rudi Koertzen

Koertzen, aged 73, passed away in an accident on August 9.

By Salman Anjum - 10 Aug, 2022

Rudi Koertzen | Getty In a sad news for the cricketing world, legendary South African umpire Rudi Koertzen passed away on Tuesday (August 9) in an accident.

Koertzen’s son informed that his father was returning to his home from Cape Town after playing golf in the weekend when the accident happened. Three other people also lost their lives in the car crash that took place on Tuesday morning.

Koertzen, who breathed his last aged 73, was respected by cricketers across the globe. He held the record for officiating in most international matches (331), which was later broken by Pakistan’s Aleem Dar.

As soon as the sad news surfaced, leading names of world cricket took to Twitter to mourn the demise and offered their condolences to the Koertzen family.

Here are the reactions:

RIP Rudi???? .. Sad day for all of us.. you were a brilliant umpire .. Condolence to family and friends .. you will be missed ???? pic.twitter.com/VfAPXRghSp
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 9, 2022

Saddened to know about the sudden demise of umpire Rudi Koertzen he was , forthright and knowledgeable umpire had shared some wonderful moments with him on and off the field . My deepest condolences to the family. RIP .
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 9, 2022

Really sad to hear about the passing away of former umpire Rudi Koertzen. He was one of the sharpest and finest umpires that we've seen. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP Rudi. pic.twitter.com/vxfZ3z4BcH
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 9, 2022

Such sad news; condolences to the family #ripRudi https://t.co/iSuV1Kj6iV
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) August 9, 2022

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 pic.twitter.com/9mV1V09F7a
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 9, 2022

Saddened at the tragic loss of Rudi Koertzen. What a wonderful friend and umpire. Honest, forthright and loved the game. Shared many a beer at the bar talking cricket with him. RIP my friend.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) August 9, 2022

RIP to one of the best Umpire in the World Rudi Koertzen ????????????. I always enjoyed bowling from his end. Condolences to the family and friends #RipRudi pic.twitter.com/WxqbfbDfGG
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) August 9, 2022

Very sad to hear about Rudi's death. Rudi was a great human being with a wonderful attitude& relationship with players. He had respect for the game & players&always displayed great temperament with a smile on his face. My sympathies with his friends and family on his sad passing. pic.twitter.com/s1kHjGKqpx
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 9, 2022

I first met Rudi in 1992 & we became good friends over the years. He was a warm-hearted person who always greeted players with a big smile. He commanded respect from one & all.

My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. He’ll be dearly missed. ????????
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 9, 2022

Such sad news hearing the passing of umpire Rudi Koertzen. One of the gentlemen of the sport ???? RIP Oom Rudi.
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) August 9, 2022

Dreadful news hearing that the great man, Rudi Keortzen, has died in a car crash in SA! RIP you legend! He will be sorely missed. ???? pic.twitter.com/VGkoaOHlhn
— Kevin Pietersen???? (@KP24) August 9, 2022

Rudi Koertzen was a very competent umpire who loved his job and the game of cricket. He was a wonderful gentleman on and off the field of play. Really saddened to hear the news of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends #OneOfTheGreatUmpires #CricketFamily
— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) August 9, 2022

RIP, Rudy Koertzen????????
One of the best umpires in the history of the game.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. pic.twitter.com/oBYNC77dgy
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) August 9, 2022

Extremely saddened by the news of the tragic passing of Rudi Koertzen. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He was a great umpire and a better person. I always enjoyed sharing the field with him.
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) August 10, 2022

Two moments in my career I’m most often asked about. Quick ton v England in Perth and walking in WCup Semi v SL. Umpire on both occasions was Rudi Koertzen. Iconic figure in the game. A great umpire and great friend. RIP mate. ????????
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) August 10, 2022

Rudi Koertzen was among the three umpires along with Aleem Dar and West Indies’ Steve Bucknor to officiate in over 100 Test matches.

He had also performed the role of a third umpire in the 2003 and 2007 World Cup finals. He brought curtains on his umpiring career back in 2010.

Cricket fraternity condoles the demise of legendary South African umpire Rudi Koertzen

Koertzen, aged 73, passed away in an accident on August 9.

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