Former ICC Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar will retire from all umpiring after Pakistan‘s 2024-25 domestic season. The 56-year-old has officiated in 145 Tests and 222 ODIs. Highly regarded in the sport, Dar stepped down from the ICC’s Elite Panel in March 2023 but remained eligible for ODIs and T20Is, officiating a T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand in April.
In an official statement regarding his retirement, Dar looked back on his extensive career and shared his thoughts (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):
“Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I have cherished the privilege of officiating some of the most iconic matches involving the greatest players of this generation. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honor to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world.”
In recent years, the highly regarded umpire has been dedicating more of his time to his charity, the Aleem Dar Foundation, which offers a free ambulance service and additional support for thalassemia patients.
“However, all great journeys must eventually come to an end, and the time has come for me to focus fully on my social and charity work. My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart and require my full devotion and attention,” he concluded in his official statement.
https://x.com/therealpcb/status/1839623437322518785?s=46
Renowned for his composed demeanor and keen decision-making, the 56-year-old built strong relationships with players. He won the ICC’s David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. Considered one of the top umpires in international cricket, Dar officiated in four World Cup finals.
Aleem Dar’s achievements in first-class cricket
As a player, Dar participated in 17 first-class matches, scoring 270 runs as a middle-order batter and taking 11 wickets as a leg-spinner. He also played in 18 List A games, where he scored 179 runs and took 15 wickets.
However, it was as an umpire that Dar earned widespread fame and respect within the cricketing community. He officiated his first ODI in 2000 and joined the ICC panel within two years.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
