Pakistani cricketer and umpire Aleem Sarwar Dar has decided to leave the post. International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite panel of umpires after 19 years.
Dar has had a long and distinguished career as an international umpire. He made his international debut in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks with his solid decisions in matches, the ICC said in an official statement on Thursday.
Dar has umpired in 435 men’s international matches.
Talking about Dar’s extensive career, the ICC said: “Dar was appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires in 2002 and he officiated at the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Umpiring was. Dar continued his rise when he was appointed as a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in 2004. He was the first Pakistani to be appointed to the elite panel.
Appreciating Dar’s services, ICC CEO Jeff Allardyce said: “Aleem’s contribution to international cricket and the ICC has been truly remarkable. His consistent elite performances over such a long period of time have earned him a place in international cricket. Greatly respected by all. All the best for the future and I’m sure his involvement in the game will continue for many years to come.”
Dar also highlighted his journey as an umpire which included being voted ICC Umpire of the Year for three consecutive years between 2009 and 2011.
“It’s been a long journey, but I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve had the pleasure and honor of umpiring around the world and what I’ve achieved is what I’m all about. “I never dreamed of starting this profession.” Dar said.
“Although I am still keen to continue as an international umpire, I felt the time was right, after 19 years, to step away from the elite panel and give someone from the international panel a chance. “My message to umpires around the world is to work hard, stay disciplined and never stop learning,” he added.
Ahsan Raza joined the elite panel
Along with that of Pakistan Ahsan Raza He was included in the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.
Raza has played seven Tests, 41 ODIs and 48 T20Is so far during his umpiring career.
“South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza have been added to the ICC’s elite panel of umpires for 2023-24,” the ICC said.
“The addition of Holdstock and Raza will increase the number of umpires on the panel from 11 to 12. The additions were overseen by the ICC’s Elite Umpire Selection Panel, chaired by ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan. Holdstock has umpired in five Tests, 42 ODIs and 48 T20Is. Raza has played in seven Tests, 41 ODIs and 48 T20Is.
Other panel members include Chris Gaffani (New Zealand), Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Maurice Erasmus (South Africa), Michael Gough (England), Nitin Menon (India), Paul Reiffel (Australia), Richard Illingworth (England). Included. ), Richard Kettleborough (England), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Joel Wilson (West Indies).
No changes have been made to the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.