World record-winning Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has announced his retirement at the end of the 2024-25 domestic season.
Aleem Dar’s illustrious and distinguished career spans over a quarter of a century. Three-time winner of the David Shepherd Trophy for International Cricket Council (ICC) umpire of the Year (2011-2009), seen as a true gentleman on and off the field.
On his decision to retire, Aleem Dar said, “Umpiring has been my life for almost 25 years, and I have had the privilege of umpiring some of the most memorable matches involving the greatest players of this generation. Throughout my career, I have strived to uphold the highest standards of sports, and it has been an honour to work with some of the best match officials in the world, but all great journeys eventually come to an end, and now the time has come. That I should focus fully on my social and charity work.”
“My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart, and they need my full dedication and attention. Having achieved almost everything I aspired to in umpiring with the unwavering support of my colleagues, I also feel the need to step aside and allow budding umpires to emerge and shine, says Aleem Dar. This is the right time to give,” he added.
He said, “I hope he will get similar opportunities to make his mark on the great game of cricket and represent Pakistan with pride. Committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of match officials, I will always be available to guide those making a career in this great field.”
He has played 17 first-class and 18 List A matches between 1986 and 1998.
He made his first-class umpiring debut during the 1998 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, from 2003 to 2023, he served on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, where he demonstrated his managerial skills, understanding of game situations, calm demeanour and Gained a global reputation for excellent decision-making.
He is currently part of the PCB’s elite panel and is one of the four Pakistani umpires on the ICC’s international panel.
Dar has so far umpired a record 145 Tests, 231 One Day Internationals, 72 T20 Internationals, 5 Women’s T20 Internationals, 181 First Class matches, and 282 List A matches.
