Aleem Dar, one of the most experienced and respected umpires in international cricket, has announced his retirement from umpiring after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades.
Dar, who made his international umpiring debut in 2000, has officiated in 391 international matches across all three formats of the game, including 133 Tests, 207 ODIs, and 51 T20Is. He has been a part of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires since 2004 and has stood in several high-profile matches, including multiple World Cups and Ashes series.
The 53-year-old Pakistani umpire is widely regarded as one of the best in the business and has won several awards for his services to the sport. He was named ICC Umpire of the Year three times in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and was also awarded the Presidential Award for Pride of Performance by the Pakistani government in 2018.
Dar’s decision to retire has been met with sadness by cricket fans around the world, who have appreciated his consistent and fair decisions on the field. His presence in any match was always a reassuring sight for players and viewers alike.
In a statement announcing his retirement, Dar expressed his gratitude to the International Cricket Council (ICC), his fellow umpires, and the cricketing community for their support throughout his career. He also thanked his family for their unwavering support and said that he looked forward to spending more time with them.
He will be remembered as one of the finest umpires to have ever officiated in international cricket.
