Istafa Ali
Famous Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar got a guard of honour after presiding in his last Test match as an ICC Elite Panel umpire during the match between Bangladesh and Ireland at Mirpur on Friday.
Bangladesh triumphed on the last day of the last game Dar officiated by seven wickets after successfully chasing down a 138-run mark.
On March 16, the ICC issued a press statement confirming Dar’s 19-year departure from the elite panel.
“Dar has a storied background as an international umpire. He made his international debut in 2000 and advanced fast through the ranks, winning praise from both players and spectators for his wise play in games, according to the ICC.
Dar served as an official in the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa after being named to the ICC International Panel of Umpires in 2002. Dar’s ascent continued in 2004 when he was named to the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires. He was the first Pakistani named to the Elite Panel, the statement said.
During the course of his remarkable career, Dar presided over 438 international games.
Geoff Allardice, CEO of the ICC, praised Dar’s services and said: “Aleem has made a really exceptional contribution to both international cricket and the ICC. He earned the respect of all those engaged in international cricket thanks to consistently outstanding performances over such a protracted time. Aleem has my best wishes for the future, and I have no doubt that he will continue to play the game for many years to come.”
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Dar also discussed his career as an umpire, which includes winning the ICC Umpire of the Year award three years in a row from 2009 to 2011.
“While the trek was lengthy, I really loved it. I have had the pleasure and honour of officiating games all around the globe, and what I have accomplished is beyond anything I could have imagined when I first entered the job, said Dar.
“Despite my desire to continue working as an international umpire, I decided that, after 19 years on the road, it was time for me to leave the Elite panel and give someone from the International Panel a chance. My advice to umpires everywhere is to put in a lot of effort, practise discipline, and never stop learning, he said.
