Renowned Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has announced his retirement from professional umpiring. The 56-year-old will retire at the end of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s 2024-25 season, bringing to a close a career that has spanned nearly a quarter of a century.
As a player, Dar featured in 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches between 1986 and 1998. However, it was his role as an umpire that truly set him apart. Having made his first-class umpiring debut in the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Dar earned a place on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2004.
Dar has officiated in a whopping 448 international matches in his illustrious career, including 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20Is. He has also stood in the finals of two ICC Men's Cricket World Cups (2007 and 2011), an ICC Champions Trophy (2009), and two ICC Men's T20 World Cups (2010 and 2012).
It has been an honor to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world: Aleem Dar
Dar was also named the ICC Umpire of the Year for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011, earning the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Dar emphasised that he wants to dedicate all his time to social and charity.
"Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I have cherished the privilege of officiating some of the most iconic matches involving the greatest players of this generation. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honour to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world.
However, all great journeys must eventually come to an end, and the time has come for me to focus fully on my social and charity work. My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart and require my full devotion and attention," he said in a statement.
Dar also spoke about him giving guidance to upcoming officials and people who are aspiring to be umpires. He is ready to share his knowledge with the coming generation.
“Having achieved almost everything that I had aspired to in umpiring with the unwavering support of my peers and colleagues, I also feel it’s the right moment to step aside and allow emerging umpires to shine. It is my hope that they too will have the same opportunities to make their mark on the great game of cricket and represent Pakistan with pride.
While I will continue to officiate throughout this season, it will be my last. That said, I remain committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of match officials and I will always be available to offer guidance to those pursuing a career in this noble profession.”
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