Pakistani cricketer and umpire Aleem Sarwar Dar has decided to step down from the elite International Cricket Council (ICC) panel of umpires after 19 years.
“Dar has had a long and distinguished career as an international referee. He made his international debut in the year 2000 and his good decisions in matches earned him the appreciation of players and fans and quickly rose through the ranks,” the ICC said in an official statement on Thursday.
Dar refereed 435 international matches among men.
Speaking about Dar’s extensive career, ICC said, “Dar was appointed to the ICC International Umpire Panel in 2002 and refereed the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Dar continued his rise in 2004 as he was appointed as a member of the elite panel of ICC umpires. He was the first Pakistani to be appointed to the Elite Council.”
Praising Dar’s contribution, ICC CEO Geoff Allardyce said, “Alim’s contribution to international cricket and the ICC has been truly remarkable. Such sustained elite performance over such a long period shows that he is held in high esteem by all involved in international cricket. I wish Alim the best of luck. . all the best for the future and I’m sure his involvement in the game will continue for many years to come.”
Dar also highlighted his journey as an umpire, which included being voted the ICC Umpire of the Year for three consecutive years between 2009 and 2011.
“It’s been a long journey, but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I have had the pleasure and pride of judging all over the world and what I have achieved is something I could never have dreamed of when I started this business.” said Dar.
“I still want to work as an international judge, but I feel now is the right time to step away from the Elite Group after 19 years and give one of the international panels a chance.” My message to the judges. The whole world is about hard work, discipline and never stopping learning,” he added.
