Legendary umpire Aleem Dar set to retire

Aleem Dar might not be a cricket star but he is counted among the legends of Pakistan cricket. He is probably the only Pakistani umpire, who is a household name in the cricket-mad country.

It was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday that Dar will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season domestic season, concluding a career that has spanned nearly a quarter of a century. A true gentleman both on and off the field, Aleem is also a three-time winner of the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year (2009-2011).

“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 honour to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world,” remarked Dar.

“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.

“Having achieved almost everything that I had aspired to in umpiring with the unwavering support of my peers and colleagues, I also feel it’s the right moment to step aside and allow emerging umpires to shine. It is my hope that they too will have the same opportunities to make their mark on the great game of cricket and represent Pakistan with pride.

“While I will continue to officiate throughout this season, it will be my last. That said, I remain committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of match officials and I will always be available to offer guidance to those pursuing a career in this noble profession.”

The 56-year-old Dar also enjoyed a playing career of 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches between 1986 and 1998, before he made his first-class umpiring debut during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. From 2003 to 2023, he served on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, where he earned a reputation for his player management skills, understanding of the playing conditions, calm demeanor and outstanding decision-making.

He is currently part of the PCB’s Elite Panel and remains one of four Pakistani umpires on the ICC’s International Panel, making him eligible to officiate in ODIs and T20Is.

Umpire Aleem Dar examines the outfield during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between Afghanistan and Ireland at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on October 28, 2022.AFP

To date, Dar has officiated in a record-breaking 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, 72 T20Is, 5 WT20Is, 181 first-class matches, and 282 List-A matches.

His contributions to the sport extend far beyond these numbers, with his professionalism and respectful manner making him a beloved figure worldwide.