ISLAMABAD: Aleem Dar, the esteemed umpire from Pakistan, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first umpire to officiate international cricket matches for 25 consecutive years, adding yet another achievement to his illustrious career.
Hailing from Gujranwala, Dar embarked on his umpiring journey in February 2000, overseeing a One-Day International (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. His impeccable precision and decision-making swiftly garnered the attention of the International Cricket Council (ICC), leading to his inclusion in the international panel of umpires.
Ascending through the ranks, Dar joined the prestigious ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2002, a mere two years after his debut. Throughout his decorated career, he clinched the ICC Umpire of the Year Award thrice, officiating in an impressive 231 ODIs, 145 Test matches, and 70 T20 Internationals, boasting the highest tally of international matches among umpires.
Notably, Dar holds the distinction of officiating in a record five T20 World Cups and overseeing significant finals, including the ICC Champions Trophy and Men’s ODI World Cup. His dedication to the craft was further underscored by his achievement as the youngest umpire to reach 100 Test matches.
After an exceptional 19-year tenure on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, Dar gracefully stepped down in March 2023, expressing gratitude to the ICC, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and his family for their unwavering support. Despite bidding farewell to the elite panel, Dar remains committed to serving the game and imparting wisdom to aspiring umpires worldwide, emphasizing the values of hard work, discipline, and continuous learning.
