CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) on Wednesday paid tribute to former international umpire Wilf Diedricks who passed away this week after being in poor health for some time. He was 62 years old. 

He stood in one Test match between India and South Africa at Sahara Oval St. George’s during the 192/93 season – the Proteas’ first winning Test match after unity – and in a considerable number of limited overs internationals.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola led the tribute: "Cricket South Africa pays tribute to Wilf Diedricks, who gave his life to cricket as a player, umpire and administrator. 

"He reached the highest levels as an umpire, and his pleasant demeanour and knowledge of the game won him friends throughout the cricketing world.

"Wilf's passing is a great loss to South African cricket, but his legacy will live on. CSA sends heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues."

Although he was born at Parow in the Western Cape, Wilf spent his playing and umpiring career in KwaZulu-Natal.

In the period immediately after unity he was one of South Africa’s leading umpires, having previously been an umpire for nearly 20 years with the South African Cricket Board.

After his retirement as an umpire he continued to serve the game as an assessor and mentor of local umpires aspiring to the first-class level and as a match referee in domestic cricket.