Simon Taufel set to retire after the tournament

Forty-one is not an age for retirement, particularly if you are a cricket umpire. Dickie Bird retired at 63. David Shepherd stayed on for a couple of years more before hanging up his coat. But Simon Taufel, it turns out, belongs to a rare breed of umpires who do not believe in staying too long on the pitch. The tall Australian has decided to call it quits. He will turn only 42 next January.

It is a surprise that the Sydney-ite is leaving so early. Maybe, the burnout syndrome does apply to the umpires too. He has officiated in 74 Tests and 174 ODIs since his international debut in 1999 and given his reputation, his workload has been immense. He was adjudged the best umpire by the International Cricket Council from 2004 to 08. Evidently, it is not easy being the best.
Taufel had said in the past that he would need more time with his family but then not many sacrifice a career that is highly rewarding.
The ongoing World Twenty20 will be his last international assignment. If Australia were not to quality for the final, he could be standing in the title clash on October 7. A formal announcement is likely in the next few days.

When DNA called him in Colombo, Taufel refused to discuss the reasons for his early superannuation. He did confirm though that the ongoing tournament will be his last. “Sorry, I would not be able to comment on this matter at this stage. Talk to the ICC. I can confirm that I will be there for the tournament,” said the Australian.
There is a talk that Taufel could make the announcement in a day or two, but it could not be confirmed independently.