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TL;DR
- Aleem Dar, a highly respected cricket umpire, will retire at the end of the 2024-25 Pakistan Cricket Board season after nearly 25 years in the profession.
- He has officiated in a record-breaking 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20Is, and was a three-time winner of the ICC Umpire of the Year award.
- Dar’s career began in the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and he joined the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2003.
- Post-retirement, he plans to focus on social and charity work, while continuing to mentor emerging umpires.
Lahore, 27 September 2024: Aleem Dar, one of cricket’s most esteemed umpires, has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s 2024-25 domestic season. This decision marks the end of a remarkable career spanning nearly 25 years. Aleem Dar is celebrated for his professionalism and has been awarded the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year three times consecutively from 2009 to 2011.
At 56, Aleem Dar has not only made significant contributions as an umpire but also had a notable playing career with 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches between 1986 and 1998. His umpiring journey began during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and he joined the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2003. Over two decades, he earned a reputation for his exceptional player management skills, deep understanding of playing conditions, calm demeanor, and outstanding decision-making.
Throughout his illustrious career, Aleem Dar has officiated in a record-breaking number of matches: 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, 72 T20Is, along with numerous first-class and List-A matches. His contributions to cricket extend beyond numbers; his professionalism and respectful manner have made him a beloved figure worldwide.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Aleem Dar stated: “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.”
He further emphasized that although his journey as an umpire is ending, he intends to focus on social and charity work, particularly his hospital project and other initiatives that are close to his heart. “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,” he remarked.
Aleem Dar’s legacy includes not only his record-breaking achievements but also his commitment to mentoring future generations of umpires. He remains dedicated to supporting and guiding those pursuing a career in this noble profession. As he continues to officiate throughout this season, Aleem Dar’s departure will leave an indelible mark on cricket history.
News Source: PCB
