LAHORE: The Pakis­tan Cricket Board (PCB) has nominated Aleem Dar for the ICC International Panel of Umpires in place of Ahsan Raza, who has been promoted to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

The appointment of Aleem, the three-time ICC Umpire of the Year, to the International Panel means he will remain eligible to officiate at international matches, including Paki­stan’s home international fixtures as well as the upcoming ICC major events such as the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

It may be mentioned here that 54-year-old Aleem last month stepped down from the Elite Panel, and it was expected that the PCB will recommend a new name from its ten-member international panel of umpires.

However, instead of giving chance to a new umpire the PCB again put its trust in Aleem who has officiated at a record 439 internatio­nal matches.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2023