Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, has announced his retirement after a remarkable 25-year career. Dar will step down from all forms of match officiating after the conclusion of the current domestic season in Pakistan. The 55-year-old umpire is set to retire after serving in several high-profile international matches and franchise tournaments, including his farewell at the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in May 2024.
Aleem Dar made history by winning the ICC’s Umpire of the Year award, the David Shepherd Trophy, three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. He stepped down from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in March 2023 but continued to officiate in domestic cricket. His final international match could be the tri-nation ODI series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa in February 2024, before Pakistan hosts the ICC Champions Trophy.
Dar’s illustrious career includes officiating in a record 145 Test matches and 222 ODIs, including four World Cup finals. He became the first Pakistani umpire to join the ICC Elite Panel when it was established in 2002.
Before his umpiring career, Dar was a leg-spinner and played 17 first-class matches and 18 List A games from 1986 to 1998. He began his umpiring journey during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and officiated his first international match in 2000 at the age of 31, when Pakistan played Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on his career, Dar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside some of the best match officials and players in cricket. In a statement, he said, “Umpiring has been a major part of my life for nearly 25 years. I’ve always aspired to officiate some of the greatest matches featuring the best cricketers of their generation. I’ve tried to maintain the highest level of professionalism throughout my career and feel honored to have worked alongside some of the world’s best match officials.”
After retirement, Aleem Dar plans to focus on his charitable organization, the Aleem Dar Foundation, which supports blood donation initiatives and provides free ambulance services for Thalassemia patients. He also expressed his desire to mentor the next generation of match officials.
