Tag: Aleem Dar

LAHORE: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit, former international umpire and national selection committee member Aleem Dar has decided to step down from his role.

According to the sources privy to the matter, Dar, 57, decided to leave the role after Pakistan’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup.

Aleem Dar was appointed as a selector on October 11, 2024, alongside former pacer Aqib Javed, ex-Test captain Azhar Ali, and analyst Hasan Cheema in a revamped selection panel.

It is worth mentioning that Aleem Dar officiated in a record 435 men’s Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, including four World Cup finals, before calling time on his career.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board has also imposed a fine of Rs5m on each player following a disappointing campaign in the mega event.

Sources confirmed that the board made it clear to the players that financial benefits will now be strictly tied to performance.

Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-final as their campaign ended in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.

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In their final match, the Green Shirts secured a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka but failed to progress to the semi-finals as New Zealand advanced on the basis of a superior run rate.

Earlier, in the group stage, Pakistan won three out of their four matches. They opened their tournament with an unconvincing win against the Netherlands, following it up with a decisive victory over USA. However, they were completely outplayed by their bitter rivals, India, by 61 runs.

They won their last fixture against Namibia to advance to the Super Eights. But a washout against New Zealand and a subsequent defeat to England ultimately left their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance.

READ: Pakistan players fined Rs5m after World Cup exit: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday revealed the new selection committee, which includes former ICC umpire Aleem Dar as well as former cricketers Azhar Ali and Aqib Javed.

The cricket board announced the decision on their website through a press release.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] has confirmed the recomposition of the men’s national selection committee. It now includes Aleem Dar, Aqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Hasan Cheema as voting members,” the PCB stated.

It’s worth noting that Aleem Dar drew curtains on a glittering career during the Champions One-Day Cup last month.

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The last selection committee consisted of current selector Asad Shafiq along with former captain Mohammad Yousuf as well as the captain and head coach of the respective formats.

However, Yousuf resigned from his role as a member of the national selection committee on 29 September. The 50-year-old cited personal reasons for his decision in a statement on his social media account.

“I announce my resignation as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons. Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket,” Mohammad Yousuf said in his post on X.

“I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness,” he added.

READ: Pakistan set unwanted record after crushing defeat in first England Test

Legendary Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar is set to draw curtains on a glittering career with the conclusion of the Champions One-Day Cup, underway at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium until September 29.

Dar stepped down from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires after 19 years but remained involved in domestic matches and international matches within Pakistan.

But the ongoing domestic season will mark the end of his umpiring career and Dar will then turn his entire focus towards his thalassemia hospital.

The announcement was made by commentator Tariq Saeed during the Champions One-Day Cup.

Dar, who had been a part of the Elite Panel since its inception in 2002, officiated more Tests and ODIs than any other umpire and is second in T20Is, behind compatriot Ahsan Raza.

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Aleem Dar officiated a record 448 international matches, including 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20Is.

“It has been a long journey, but I have enjoyed every bit of it. I have had the pleasure and honour of umpiring the world over and what I have achieved is something I did not even dream of when I started in the profession,” said Dar.

“Though I am still keen to continue as an international umpire, I felt it was now the right time, after 19 years on the road to step away from the Elite panel and provide an opportunity to someone from the International Panel. My message to umpires the world over is to work hard, maintain discipline and never stop learning.

“I thank the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and my colleagues on the panel for their support over the years. I would also like to thank my family; without whose support I could not have gone on for so long. I look forward to continuing to serve the game as an umpire.”

READ: Aamir Jamal returns as Pakistan unveil squad for first England Test

Renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar added another feather to his cap as he became the first umpire to officiate international cricket matches for 25 years.

Gujranwala-hailed Dar made his umpiring career debut in February 2000 when he officiated a One-Day International (ODI) fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

His precision and pinpoint decisions soon brought him on the radar of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the apex body, soon inducted him into the international panel of umpires.

He continued to flourish in the role and became a part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2002, the same year of its inception.

Aleem Dar, who won the ICC Umpire of the Year Award thrice in his decorated career, has officiated in 231 ODI matches, 145 Test matches and 70 T20 Internationals.

Notably, his tally of international matches is the highest by any umpire.

Dar also holds the record of umpiring in the most number of T20 World Cups (five).

He also supervised the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009, Men’s ODI World Cup finals in 2007 and 2001. He was also one of the on-field umpires in the 2009 Women’s World Cup.

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Furthermore, he is the youngest umpire to officiate in 100 Test matches and is also among the top three umpires who have umpired more than 100 Test matches.

He remained a part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for a staggering 19 years before relinquishing his role in March 2023.

“It has been a long journey, but I have enjoyed every bit of it. I have had the pleasure and honour of umpiring the world over and what I have achieved is something I did not even dream of when I started in the profession,” Aleem Dar was quoted saying by the ICC.

“Though I am still keen to continue as an international umpire, I felt it was now the right time, after 19 years on the road to step away from the Elite panel and provide an opportunity to someone from the International Panel. My message to umpires the world over is to work hard, maintain discipline and never stop learning.

“I thank the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and my colleagues on the panel for their support over the years. I would also like to thank my family; without whose support I could not have gone on for so long. I look forward to continuing to serve the game as an umpire.”

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq advises Babar Azam to set example as captain

KARACHI: Renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar picked wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed as the best modern-day Pakistan captain.

Dar, while speaking on ARY News’ show Bouncer, was asked to pick the best Pakistan captain during his prolonged umpiring career.

He, in response, acknowledged all of Pakistan’s modern-day captains which included Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Babar Azam but revealed that the wicketkeeper batter had the edge over the rest due to his decision-making abilities.

“I believe every one of them had different qualities but if someone had superior game awareness and better captaincy skills then it was Sarfaraz,” shared Dar.

“I think a wicketkeeper is a better decision-maker because he is well aware of what the bowler is bowling and that is why I think it is very important that a wicketkeeper should be the captain,” he added.

Aleem Dar further shared his opinion regarding Babar Azam’s captaincy and claimed that he is also performing well but highlighted the importance of having a good team performance.

“Babar is also performing well but if there is no teamwork and you are performing well [individually] or doing captaincy [is not that important] and hence I believe having a good team [performance] is the most important thing,” stated Dar.

It is worth mentioning here that Sarfaraz Ahmed is considered one of the most successful Pakistan captains as the side won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 under his leadership.

He also led Pakistan to 11 successive T20I series victories amid his tenure.

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LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday nominated former Elite Panel Umpire Aleem Dar on the ICC International Panel of Umpires.

The three-time ICC Umpire of the Year has replaced Ahsan Raza in the international panel, who has been promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

Aleem’s appointment to the international panel means he will remain eligible to umpire in international matches, including Pakistan’s home international fixtures.

The upcoming ICC Major Events such as the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

As per ICC regulations, match officials on the international panel are only qualified to officiate in international matches. Match officials in this panel are nominated by the ICC Members.

“The PCB had a detailed internal discussion on Aleem Dar and there was a consensus to recommend him to the ICC’s International Panel of Umpires as a PCB nominee so that international cricket can continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge. said PCB Manager – Umpires and Referees, Bilal Qureshi.

Watch Live HD Streaming of New Zealand Tour of Pakistan only at ARY ZAP.

“Furthermore, the PCB will continue to involve him in its domestic season so that it can develop and groom its own emerging umpires under his tutelage.”

To date, Aleem, who was included in the elite panel in 2004, has officiated in a world record 439 international matches, including 145 Tests, 225 ODIs, and 69 T20Is.

He has officiated in five ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, seven ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and five ICC Champions Trophy events, including finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2007 and 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2009 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cups 2010 and 2012.

Pakistan’s other three umpires on the international panel are Faisal Khan Afridi, Mohammad Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz Waqar.

LAHORE: Renowned umpire Aleem Dar will continue to officiate in Pakistan’s upcoming home international fixtures against New Zealand, two days after he stepped down from ICC Elite Panel after 19 years. 

Aleem, who officiated his last match as an elite panel umpire on Friday in Bangladesh, was named in the umpiring panel for the T20I and ODI series along with Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi, Langton Rusere, Joel Wilson, Rashid Riaz.

Amongst the umpires to officiate in the two series, Ahsan and Wilson are the members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, while others are members of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, announced Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Former Test cricketers and respected match referees Ali Naqvi and Chris Broad will lead the playing control teams in the upcoming white-ball series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Ali Naqvi will be the match referee in the five T20Is – spread over Lahore and Rawalpindi – in which Ahsan Raza, Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz will take up on-field umpiring duties.

Chris Broad, member of ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will return to Pakistan for the first time in 14 years to officiate the five ODIs to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

It may be noted here that Pakistan will play five T20 Internationals and and as many One-Day International against the Black Caps from April 14 to May 7.

Detailed appointments:

14 Apr – First T20I, Lahore. Ahsan Raza and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

15 Apr – Second T20I, Lahore. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

17 Apr – Third T20I, Lahore. Faisal Afridi and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

20 Apr – Fourth T20I, Rawalpinid. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

24 Apr – Fifth T20I, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Asif Yaqoob (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee)

27 Apr – First ODI, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

29 Apr – Second ODI, Rawalpindi. Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

3 May – Third ODI, Karachi. Langton Rusere and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Joel Wilson (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

5 May – Fourth ODI, Karachi. Joel Wilson and Asif Yaqoob (on-field), Langton Rusere (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

7 May – Fifth ODI, Karachi. Langton Rusere and Rashid Riaz (on-field), Joel Wilson (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Chris Broad (match referee)

READ: Pakistan U19 team holds training session ahead of Bangladesh Tour

MIRPUR: Renowned Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar received a guard of honour from the players and match officials at the end of his prolific 24-year-long career on Friday. 

Dar decided to step down from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires after 19 years last month.

The 54-year-old officiated for the last time during the one-off Test between Bangladesh and Ireland which ended in a seven-wicket win for the hosts on the final day.

The players on both sides along with Dar’s fellow umpire bid farewell to him as he walked off the field at the conclusion of the game.

Dar, who had been a part of the Elite Panel since its inception in 2002, officiated more Tests and ODIs than any other umpire and is second in T20Is, behind compatriot Ahsan Raza.

He holds the record of officiating record 436 international matches including four World Cup finals.

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DUBAI: Renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar has stepped down from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires after 19 years.

Dar, who had been a part of the Elite Panel since its inception in 2002, officiated more Tests and ODIs than any other umpire and is second in T20Is, behind compatriot Ahsan.

As a result, Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza and South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock have been added to the panel after Dar stepped down. Their inclusion saw the number of umpires in the panel rose up to 12 from 11.

“South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza have been added to the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires for 2023-24,” stated ICC in a press release on Thursday.

“The addition of Holdstock and Raza sees the number of umpires in the panel rise up to 12 from 11. The additions were overseen by the ICC Elite Umpire selection panel, headed by ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan. Holdstock has officiated in five Tests, 42 ODIs and 48 T20Is. Raza has stood in seven Tests, 41 ODIs and 48 T20Is,” the statement added.

Aleem, who holds the record of officiating record 435 international matches reflected on his remarkable career and thanked his colleagues over the years.

“It has been a long journey, but I have enjoyed every bit of it. I have had the pleasure and honour of umpiring the world over and what I have achieved is something I did not even dream of when I started in the profession.

“Though I am still keen to continue as an international umpire, I felt it was now the right time, after 19 years on the road to step away from the Elite panel and provide an opportunity to someone from the International Panel. My message to umpires the world over is to work hard, maintain discipline and never stop learning.

“I thank the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and my colleagues on the panel for their support over the years. I would also like to thank my family; without whose support I could not have gone on for so long. I look forward to continuing to serve the game as an umpire.”

READ: UAE’s Asif Khan smashes fourth-fastest century in Men’s ODIs

DUBAI: Pakistani umpires Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza have been named among the match officials for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, starting from October 16 in Australia. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday that 20 match officials for the First Round and Super 12s stages of the T20 World Cup.

The 20 match officials include 16 umpires and four match officials. The Pakistani duo Dar and Raza are among the umpiring panel for the mega event.

Match Referees: Andrew Pycroft, Christopher Broad, David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle

Umpires: Adrian Holdstock, Aleem Dar, Ahsan Raza, Christopher Brown, Christopher Gaffaney, Joel Wilson, Kumara Dharmasena, Langton Rusere, Marais Erasmus, Michael Gough, Nitin Menon, Paul Reiffel, Paul Wilson, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Rodney Tucker

READ: ‘We’ll crash out early if we go to the T20 WC with that middle-order’ Akhtar