ICC Elite Panel umpire Rudi Koertzen on Saturday made history by becoming the first umpire to stand in 200 ODIs.

He achieved this feat after umpiring in the second one-day International between Ireland and Kenya in Dublin.

The 60-year-old Koertzen, hailing from South Africa, made his international debut on 9 December 1992 in a match between South Africa and India in Port Elizabeth.

Koertzen receives a trophy

To mark the occasion, Koertzen received a trophy from Cricket Ireland (CI) president Arthur Vince on behalf of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

He has also officiated 99 Test macthes.

The second Ashes Test between England and Australia starting at Lord’s on July 16 will be Koertzen’s 100th Test and will make him only the second umpire after Steve Bucknor (128 Tests and 181 ODIs) to complete the double.

A member of the Emirates Elite Panel of umpires since 2002, he stood in the 1999, 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cups and the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

“It has been a very fascinating journey”

Koertzen also stood in the 2002, 2004 and 2006 ICC Champions Trophy tournament.

“For someone who started umpiring very late in life, it is a huge personal achievement and a dream come true. It is really a great and satisfying feeling to achieve something as massive as this one,” Koertzen said in an ICC statement.

“All in all, it has been a very rewarding and a fascinating journey, something that I should be proud of,” he added.

ICC President David Morgan also paid a glowing tribute to Koertzen for his contribution to the game.

“Rudi’s achievement is by no means a small one and is a result of his tremendous dedication,commitment and fitness. Umpiring is something he wanted to do and his achievements reflect that he has done it with passion and hard work.

“It’s a matter of great honour for the ICC itself that one of its umpires has reached this landmark. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to congratulate Rudi for serving our great game through his umpiring and being a role model and inspiration for many young and upcoming umpires,” Morgan said in the statement.