Legendary umpire Aleem Dar, who is based in Pakistan, will end his illustrious career on September 29 when the Champions One-Day Cup concludes at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.
After 19 years, Dar resigned from the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires, but he continued to officiate Pakistani domestic and international matches.
However, Dar’s umpiring career will come to an end with the current domestic season, after which he will devote all of his attention to his thalassaemia hospital.
Commentator Tariq Saeed made the news during the Champions One-Day Cup.
As an Elite Panel member since its founding in 2002, Dar officiated more Tests and ODIs than any other umpire and is ranked second in T20Is, behind fellow countryman Ahsan Raza.
A record 448 international matches, comprising 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20Is, were officiated by Aleem Dar.
“The journey has been lengthy, but I have relished every second of it.” Dar remarked, “I have had the pleasure and honour of officiating all over the world, and what I have accomplished is something I never even dared to dream of when I first started in the business.
“After 19 years on the road, I decided it was the perfect time to move away from the Elite panel and give someone from the International Panel an opportunity, even though I am still eager to continue as an international umpire. I would advise umpires everywhere to put forth a lot of effort, be disciplined, and never stop learning.
“I appreciate the years of assistance from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and my panel colleagues. In addition, I want to thank my family, without whom I could not have continued for as long. I’m excited to keep officiating games going forward.
