LAHORE: Aleem Dar, regarded among the best umpires in the world, will retire from the profession at the end of the ongoing domestic cricket season, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday.

Aleem’s career — which saw the 56-year-old win the ICC Umpire of the Year three times — spanned over 25 years.

Aleem served on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires From 2003 to 2023, where he earned a reputation for his player management skills, understanding of the playing conditions, calm demeanor and outstanding decision-making.

He is currently part of the PCB’s Elite Panel and remains one of four Pakistani umpires on the ICC’s International Panel, making him eligible to officiate in ODIs and T20Is.

To date, Aleem has officiated in a record-breaking 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, 72 T20Is, 5 WT20Is, 181 first-class matches, and 282 List-A matches.

“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,” Aleem said in a statement. “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.”

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2024