Pakistani umpire, who officiated in 38 IPL games, 448 international matches, announces retirement

Karachi: Aleem Dar, the Pakistan umpire who has officiated in 448 international matches so far all through his over 20-year career, on Friday decided to bid adieu to the profession on the end of the 2024-25 domestic season. Respected for his umpiring judgement and a clean career sheet, Dar has been a distinguished member of the ICC’s Elite and International Panels from 2003.

It reflected within the fifty six-year-old Dar winning the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year (2009-2011) thrice in his career. “Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I've cherished the privilege of officiating large amounts of the foremost iconic matches involving the right players of this generation,” Dar said in a statement.

“Right through my career, I’ve strived to uphold the right possible standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honour to work alongside large amounts of the right match officials within the sphere,” he added. Dar said he's going to now focal point on charity work. “On the opposite hand, all great journeys should in spite of everything come to an end, and the time has come for me to focal point fully on my social and charity work. My sanatorium project and other initiatives are very in terms of my heart and require my full devotion and a spotlight.” Dar said.

Dar also officiated 38 matches within the Indian Premier League (IPL) between 2008 and 2014 together with his compatriot Asad Rauf, who umpired Fifty one matches within the league. Dar’s umpiring colleagues Rauf, Nadeem Ghouri and Akram Raza, who though changed into now not a world umpire, needed to depart the profession after facing disciplinary action from authorities, but he remained an immaculate figure.

Dar made his First-Class umpiring debut all at some stage in the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and from 2003 to 2023, he served on the ICC International and Elite Panel of Umpires, where he earned a reputation for his player management skills, understanding of the playing conditions, calm demeanor and outstanding decision-making.

He is currently section of the PCB’s Elite Panel and is still thought of one of four Pakistani umpires on the ICC’s International Panel, making him eligible to officiate in ODIs and T20Is. Dar has so far officiated in a record-breaking a hundred forty five Tests, 231 ODIs, seventy two T20Is, 5 T20 World Cups, 181 First-Class matches, and 282 List-A matches.

Dar said he had decided to retire from active umpiring as he desired to focal point on his foundation work but may perhaps be readily on hand to mentor and guide the brand new generation of Pakistan umpires.