Renowned Pakistani Umpire Aleem Dar receives Grand Farewell from ICC Elite Panel

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar received a guard of honour after officiating in his last Test match during the Bangladesh vs. Ireland match in Mirpur. Bangladesh won the match by seven wickets after successfully chasing down 138 runs. The ICC confirmed Dar’s exit from the Elite Panel after a 19-year career as an international umpire. He was appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires in 2002, and in 2004, he became the first Pakistani umpire to join the Elite Panel. He has officiated in 438 international matches during his career. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice praised Dar’s contributions, saying that his consistently elite performances had earned him enormous respect. Dar was also voted the ICC Umpire of the Year for three consecutive years between 2009 and 2011. In his statement, Dar said he had enjoyed every bit of his long journey as an umpire, and though he was still keen to continue, he believed it was the right time to step away from the Elite Panel and give an opportunity to someone else. Dar advised umpires worldwide to work hard, maintain discipline, and keep learning.