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Aleem Dar
Aleem Dar
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Aleem Dar PP (Punjabi, Urdu: علیم ڈار; born 6 June 1968) is a Pakistani cricket umpire and former first-class cricketer. He is a former member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires. Dar won the David Shepherd Trophy three years in a row from 2009 to 2011, after being nominated twice in 2005 and 2006.[1] Aleem Dar, Marais Erasmus, Richard Kettleborough, Kumar Dharmasena and Simon Taufel were the only umpires to have received the award from its inception until 2017. Before becoming an umpire, Dar played first-class cricket as a right-handed batsman and a leg-break bowler for Allied Bank, Gujranwala, Lahore and Pakistan Railways teams. Dar is also a member of the Men's National Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board.He was educated at Government Islamia College, Civil Lines, Lahore.

Key Information

In December 2019, in the first match of the series between Australia and New Zealand, Aleem stood in his 129th Test match, breaking the record previously set by Steve Bucknor.[2] On 1 November 2020, in the second ODI between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, Aleem stood in his 210th ODI match as an on-field umpire, surpassing South African Rudi Koertzen's record of officiating in the most ODI matches.[3]

Personal life

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Aleem Dar was born on June 6, 1968, in Jhang, Pakistan. He is married to Noshaba. They have three children, sons Hassan and Ali, and a daughter, Jaweria, who died due to epilepsy.[4]

Career

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Umpiring

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Aleem is best known as an international cricket umpire.[5] He made his international umpiring debut in an ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Gujranwala on 16 February 2000. In 2002, he became a member of International Panel of ICC Umpires. He was chosen to umpire at the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

In April 2004, he became the first Pakistani to be part of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.[6] He was nominated for the ICC Umpire of the year Award in 2005 and 2006, beaten on both occasions by the Australian Simon Taufel. On 17 October 2007, Aleem umpired in his 100th ODI, between India and Australia at Mumbai, making him the tenth umpire in the history of cricket to reach that landmark. He reached the landmark in a record time, taking just seven years, and became the first Pakistani to officiate in a century of One Day Internationals.[7]

Aleem has stood in a solitary India-Pakistan ODI match at Karachi 2006 and five Ashes Test matches. He was also one of the on-field umpires for the final of the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, standing alongside Rudi Koertzen. He stood in the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup between Australia and Sri Lanka, along with Steve Bucknor. Dar was also selected to stand in the final of the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 between Australia and England .

In January 2005, Aleem and his colleague Steve Bucknor, received death threats during a Test match between England and South Africa at Centurion.[8] He was also involved in a controversy during the 2007 Cricket World Cup final where he, along with fellow officials Bucknor, Koertzen, Bowden and Crowe incorrectly made Australia bowl three unnecessary overs in near darkness. Consequently, the ICC decided to suspend him, along with the other four officials, from duty for the next ICC event, which was the 2007 World Twenty20 Championship.[9]

Aleem proved his accuracy at the 2011 Cricket World Cup when all the 15 Umpire Decision Review System appeals against him were struck down.[10][11]

He was selected as one of the twenty umpires to stand in matches during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.[5] In April 2019, he was named as one of the sixteen umpires to stand in matches during the 2019 Cricket World Cup.[12][13] The following month, in the second match of the 2019 Ireland Tri-Nation Series, he became the third umpire, and first from Pakistan, to officiate in 200 ODIs.[14]

On 16 March 2023, Dar stepped down from the elite panel of umpires after a 19-year career.[15] He will still umpire games if the PCB selects him to stand in games played in Pakistan.[16]

From 5–7 April 2023, he stood in his last test match as an Elite panel umpire, during the one-off test between Bangladesh and Ireland. At the end of the match, he also received a Guard of Honor from both teams and a memento was presented to him by Bangladesh Cricket Board.[17]

He announced he will retire from umpiring at the end of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s 2024–25 domestic season.[18]

Aleem Dar Cricket Academy

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Aleem Dar Cricket Academy, ADCA is a training and coaching academy for hearing-impaired boys and girls. It is located in Lahore, Pakistan. It is equipped with a ground, gymnasium, jogging track and basketball court. Aleem Dar established the academy in 2013.[19][20]

Dar's Delighto

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In 2018, he started a restaurant named Dar's Delighto in PIA Cooperative Housing Society, Lahore.[21][22]

Post-retirement

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In October 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board named Dar as part of its selection committee.[23]

Accolades

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After being nominated twice in 2005 and 2006, Aleem finally won the Umpire of the Year award in October 2009, at the annual ICC awards ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.[24] By claiming the award, Aleem ended Simon Taufel's run of five successive awards. It was the first time that any umpire other than Taufel had picked up the accolade in the six years that the ceremony had taken place. In October 2010, he won the award for a second straight year.[25] In September 2011, he was named best umpire for the third consecutive year.[26] On 14 August 2010, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with the President's Award for Pride of Performance.[27]

He was honoured by ICC for officiating in 150 ODIs.[28]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Aleem Dar (born 6 June 1968) is a Pakistani former and first-class cricketer, widely regarded as one of the most respected officials in the sport's history due to his precision, professionalism, and record-breaking tenure on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires from 2004 to 2023. Born in , , Dar initially pursued a playing career as a right-handed middle-order batsman and leg-break bowler, featuring in 17 first-class matches and 18 List A games for various domestic sides in between 1986 and 1998, though he never broke into the national team. Transitioning to umpiring in the late 1990s, he made his international on-field debut in One Day Internationals during the 1999–2000 season and in Tests in October 2003, quickly establishing himself as a standout neutral official with his calm demeanor and accurate decision-making. Dar's umpiring career peaked with unprecedented longevity and volume, as he became the most capped across formats, officiating in a record 145 Test matches (from 2003 to 2023), 231 ODIs, and 72 T20Is, totaling 448 international fixtures as an on-field —more than any other official in history. His accolades include being the first Pakistani on the Elite Panel and winning the ICC Umpire of the Year award—also known as the —three consecutive times from 2009 to 2011, a feat unmatched by any other official. He also stood in five T20 World Cups and numerous major bilateral series, earning praise for handling high-pressure moments, such as during controversial decisions in India-Pakistan encounters. After stepping down from the Elite Panel in March 2023, Dar continued umpiring in Pakistan's domestic circuit and home internationals until his retirement from professional umpiring at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, announced in September 2024, capping a 25-year career that inspired generations of officials. In October 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board appointed him to its revamped national selection committee, leveraging his deep expertise in the game.

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family

Aleem Sarwar Dar was born on 6 June 1968 in , . He grew up in a middle-class family, the son of a whose profession necessitated frequent moves across . This nomadic early life shaped his formative years, beginning in the relatively obscure town of . Dar's initial exposure to came through informal play in local areas and clubs in Jhang, where he developed a passion for the sport amid everyday surroundings. Dar is married to Noshaba Banu, with whom he shares a family life centered in . They have three sons—Hassan, Ali, and Hussain—and tragically lost their daughter, Javeria, to when she was six months old during the .

Education and Early Interests

Aleem Dar was born on June 6, 1968, in , , into the family of a police officer, whose frequent job postings across locations such as , , and Sihala disrupted consistent access to organized sports during his early schooling in local institutions. These moves limited opportunities for in Jhang, where facilities were scarce, prompting Dar to nurture his passion for the game through informal play among peers. His family provided support for his sports interests despite these challenges, encouraging his development as a young enthusiast. Seeking better prospects, Dar relocated to for higher education, where he gained admission to Government Islamia College, . There, he began participating in district-level tournaments, representing teams affiliated with the Gujranwala Cricket Association before focusing on Lahore-based competitions. During his youth, Dar honed his skills as a right-handed middle-order batsman and leg-spinner, drawing initial inspiration from local coaches and contemporaries like , whom he encountered during college trials as a teenager. This period marked the foundation of his technical growth, emphasizing disciplined practice in batting stability and spin variations through youth-level engagements.

Playing Career

First-Class Matches

Aleem Dar made his first-class debut on 8 February 1987, representing Railways against the of Pakistan in the BCCP President's Cup at the Municipal Stadium in . As a right-handed batsman and right-arm leg-break bowler, he played a total of 17 first-class matches between the 1986/87 and 1997/98 seasons in 's domestic cricket circuit. He also featured in 18 List A matches during the same period, scoring 179 runs at an average of 19.88 with a highest score of 37, and taking 12 wickets at an average of 25.08. Dar represented several teams during his playing career, including Railways in his debut season, Lahore City from 1987/88 to 1994/95, in 1995/96, and in 1997/98. His batting contributions were modest, aggregating 270 runs across 24 innings at an average of 11.73, with a highest score of 39 and no centuries or half-centuries to his name. In bowling, he claimed 11 wickets at an average of 34.36, reflecting limited success as a spinner in the competitive domestic environment. These statistics highlight Dar's role as a lower-order who struggled to establish himself as a frontline performer, ultimately paving the way for his transition to umpiring.

Transition to Umpiring

After concluding his playing career in 1998 at the age of 30, Aleem Dar faced limited opportunities to advance further in Pakistan's competitive domestic scene, prompting a pivot toward umpiring. His prior experience as a right-handed batsman and leg-break bowler in 17 first-class matches provided a strong foundation for understanding the game's rules and nuances. Dar began his umpiring journey in local leagues in the late , around 1998. To formalize his skills, he underwent training and certification through the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) umpiring courses, culminating in a qualification certificate in 2002 that qualified him for higher-level assignments. Building on this foundation, Dar officiated his first domestic first-class match during the 1998-99 and continued with early assignments in 2001-2002, including youth internationals and regional fixtures, where he steadily built a reputation for accuracy and composure. These experiences honed his decision-making under pressure, setting the stage for his rapid ascent in the profession.

Umpiring Career

Domestic Umpiring

Aleem Dar commenced his umpiring career in Pakistan's domestic circuit with his debut during the 1998–99 , the country's flagship first-class tournament. Over the following years, he officiated in a wide array of PCB-organized first-class competitions, establishing a reputation for precise decision-making and game management at the grassroots level of Pakistani cricket. Throughout his tenure, Dar contributed significantly to domestic cricket's integrity by standing in over 181 first-class matches and 282 List A encounters by the time of his announcement in 2024. His assignments included supervision of key series in the across multiple editions, where he handled high-stakes multi-day fixtures involving top provincial and departmental teams. Additionally, Dar played a pivotal role in shorter-format tournaments, notably umpiring eight matches in the from 2005 to 2011, helping shape the early professionalization of T20 cricket in . After stepping down from the ICC Elite Panel in 2023, Dar received a promotion to the PCB's Elite Panel of Umpires, enabling him to oversee Pakistan's premier domestic events with continued authority. This role underscored his enduring commitment to elevating umpiring standards within the country, even as his international career wound down.

International Assignments

Aleem Dar was appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires in 2002, marking the start of his international career. His strong performances in domestic umpiring paved the way for this selection, building on his experience from 's circuits. He made his international on-field debut in an ODI on 16 February 2000, between and at . His World Cup debut came during the 2003 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in , where he officiated several group-stage matches. In April 2004, Dar was elevated to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires following an annual performance review, joining the top tier of global officials. He remained on the Elite Panel for 19 years, until stepping down in March 2023 after a distinguished career spanning two decades. During this period, he became renowned for his calm demeanor and accuracy, particularly in high-pressure scenarios. Dar holds the record for the most Test matches umpired, with 145 appearances between 2003 and 2023, surpassing Steve Bucknor's previous mark of 128. He also officiated 231 One Day Internationals, 72 T20 Internationals, and 5 Women's T20 Internationals, totaling over 450 international fixtures. These statistics underscore his longevity and reliability on the global stage. His assignments included five ICC Men's Cricket World Cups from 2003 to 2019, where he stood in the finals of 2007 ( vs. ) and 2011 ( vs. ). Dar also umpired in six ICC Men's T20 World Cups between 2009 and 2022, officiating the finals of 2010 ( vs. ) and 2012 ( vs. ). Additionally, he featured in multiple tournaments, including the finals of 2006 and 2009, contributing to his extensive portfolio in ICC events. Dar's international duties extended to marquee bilateral series, such as multiple contests between and , including the 2013, 2017, and 2019 series. He frequently handled intense India-Pakistan rivalries, umpiring key encounters in both and limited-overs formats that highlighted his ability to manage charged atmospheres. As a neutral umpire, he also officiated in prominent T20 leagues, including several playoffs between 2008 and 2014.

Notable Decisions and Controversies

Aleem Dar earned widespread acclaim for his precise umpiring in high-stakes encounters, particularly during the 2010-11 series. In the first Test at , Dar correctly adjudged several leg-before-wicket (lbw) decisions, including one against England's that Australian captain vehemently contested for eight minutes, only for the (DRS) to uphold Dar's call. Former captain defended Dar, stating that Ponting's protests were "completely unacceptable" as the umpire's decision was accurate. These calls, made under intense pressure, highlighted Dar's ability to maintain composure amid heated debates, contributing to his reputation for reliability in pivotal moments. Dar's proficiency with the DRS was evident across more than 100 international matches where the technology was employed, boasting an exceptionally high accuracy rate. During the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, a total of 57 reviews were taken against his on-field decisions, with none overturned, demonstrating near-perfect judgment in dismissing appeals for lbws, caught behinds, and other dismissals. Statistical analyses of DRS usage from 2009 to 2017 further underscore his precision, showing an average of 5.78 DRS reviews per , with an overturn rate of 23.3%—among the lowest on the ICC Elite Panel for the period. This track record reinforced Dar's role as a trusted arbiter in technology-assisted umpiring. Despite his strong record, Dar faced rare controversies that tested his judgment. In the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy group match between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval, Dar, alongside umpire Billy Bowden, ordered a ball change mid-innings due to concerns over its condition, sparking tampering allegations against the English team from former captain Bob Willis and leading to Dar's demotion to fourth umpire for the final. Another incident occurred in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal between India and Bangladesh, where Dar signaled a no-ball on Rubel Hossain's delivery when Rohit Sharma was caught on 99, allowing Sharma to reach his century and India to advance; the Bangladesh Cricket Board lodged a formal appeal with the ICC, though the decision stood. In the 2019 World Cup league stage match between India and Bangladesh, as third umpire, Dar ruled Soumya Sarkar out caught behind off Mohammed Shami based on a spike from UltraEdge technology, a call that divided opinions as replays showed inconclusive evidence of contact. Players frequently praised Dar's calm demeanor under pressure, which helped diffuse tense situations on the field. His soft-spoken yet authoritative presence made him popular among cricketers, as seen in his handling of Ponting's excessive appealing during the 2009 Ashes, where Dar maintained control without escalation. Indian captain Virat Kohli later highlighted Dar's supportive nature, noting how the umpire's friendly approach, including addressing him as "Paaji," fostered respect during matches. Such testimonials underscored Dar's mental strength, enabling him to officiate over 400 international games while rarely losing composure.

Other Professional Ventures

Aleem Dar Cricket Academy

The Aleem Dar Cricket Academy was established in 2012 in , , by the renowned Aleem Dar to nurture young talent and produce future cricketers and umpires. Operating as a non-profit initiative, the academy provides free training to deserving players, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds and including a dedicated program for deaf cricketers, aiming to fulfill Dar's unachieved dream of playing at the highest level by supporting the next generation. The academy offers comprehensive coaching in batting, bowling, and umpiring, led by experienced instructors such as Ashraf Ali and Level-II coaches Arslan Mir and Raees Amjad, with a strong emphasis on development for players aged 7 to 17. Facilities include a dedicated ground provided by Shahbaz , though early operations were limited, with plans for expansions like a and floodlights to enable night training sessions. The program prioritizes , technical skills, and a deep understanding of rules, drawing directly from Dar's extensive umpiring expertise to instill professionalism in trainees. Notable achievements include enrolling around 75 players by 2013, with 25 being deaf cricketers, and producing talents who have advanced to competitive levels. For instance, Ali Hassan Baloch, who began training at the at age seven under coach Ashraf Ali, went on to Lahore Blues to victory in the Men's National Under-19 Cup 2025-26, where he topped the run charts with 610 runs including three centuries. As director, Dar oversees operations and finances much of the personally, seeking further support from the to enhance umpire training programs.

Dar's Delighto Business

In 2018, Aleem Dar launched Dar's Delighto, a restaurant venture in specializing in Pakistani, Mughlai, Chinese, and Continental cuisines, with its first outlet located on PIA Road in near Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. The establishment aimed to provide high-quality, hygienic food while contributing to charitable causes, with a portion of profits directed toward community welfare initiatives from its inception. The business expanded beyond its initial location, opening a second branch in , in October 2021, marking growth in the local dining scene amid Dar's ongoing umpiring commitments. This development allowed Dar's Delighto to serve a broader customer base while maintaining its focus on authentic flavors and family-friendly dining experiences. Dar managed the operations part-time during his active international umpiring , leveraging the financial stability from his professional earnings to sustain and grow the venture without disrupting his obligations. Dar's Delighto has made notable community contributions, particularly by providing free meals to jobless individuals and needy patients visiting the nearby ; this initiative began a year after opening and intensified during the 2020 to support those affected by lockdowns and unemployment.

Post-Retirement Activities

Role in Pakistan Selection Committee

In October 2024, Aleem Dar was appointed as a member of the Cricket Board's (PCB) men's national selection committee, marking the first time a former umpire had been included in such a role. This appointment came shortly after 's loss in the first Test against in and ahead of Dar's planned full retirement from umpiring at the end of the 2024-25 domestic season. As a selector, Dar's responsibilities include scouting emerging talent across domestic and international circuits and providing advisory input on squad compositions for Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Internationals (T20Is). He joined other members such as , (who resigned in November 2025), , and data analyst Usman Hashmi, with decisions made collectively alongside the captain and head coach. Dar contributed significantly to selections for Pakistan's 2024-25 home series against England, advocating for the recall of spinners Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali to exploit turning pitches in the second and third Tests. He also supported the controversial decision to drop out-of-form batsman Babar Azam from the second Test squad—a move unprecedented for Pakistan selectors at the time—and collaborated on pitch preparation strategies, such as reusing the Multan surface and using equipment to aid spin-friendly conditions at Rawalpindi. Following his complete retirement from umpiring in early 2025, Dar shifted to full-time focus on these duties. Dar's background as an elite provides a unique perspective, enabling him to assess player form, discipline, and behavioral aspects under pressure more acutely than typical selectors, while his expertise in pitch behavior informs strategic squad balancing. This vantage point has been highlighted as a valuable addition to the committee's talent identification and team-building processes.

Mentorship and Commentary

Following his retirement from umpiring in March 2025, Dar has committed to and supporting the next generation of umpires, drawing on his extensive experience to guide emerging officials in the .

Awards and Honors

ICC Umpire of the Year

Aleem Dar was nominated for the ICC Umpire of the Year award, known as the , in 2005 and 2006 before achieving a historic milestone by winning it for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011, becoming the first to accomplish this feat. In 2009, at the in , Dar was selected over competitors including , based on his performance from the previous 12 months. The 2010 award in Bangalore marked his second straight victory, and the 2011 honor in completed the trio, where he outperformed , , and Taufel. The award's selection criteria emphasize accuracy and consistency in decision-making, particularly during high-profile international matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, as determined by votes from the captains of the ten full-member nations and an eight-member panel of elite match referees. Dar's evaluations focused on his decision statistics and overall officiating skills over the respective performance periods, such as August 2009 to August 2010 for the 2010 award and August 2010 to August 2011 for 2011, during which he umpired numerous key fixtures including the 2011 World Cup final. This recognition underscored his reputation for maintaining high standards under pressure, as he himself attributed his success to upholding rigorous umpiring quality. These consecutive wins significantly elevated Dar's status within the cricketing world, solidifying his position on the ICC's Elite Panel of Umpires and resulting in increased assignments to marquee events. In his acceptance speeches, Dar expressed gratitude to the ICC, his Elite Panel colleagues, the , and his family for their support during extended international stints, while also crediting his prior playing experience for enhancing his umpiring insight; notably, in 2011, he dedicated the award to victims of floods and dengue in . ICC officials and match referees, through the voting process and ceremony presentations—such as from Chris Broad in 2010—tributed Dar's exemplary consistency and contributions to the game's integrity.

National Awards

In recognition of his contributions to cricket, the awarded Dar the in 2010, a prestigious civilian honor for distinguished achievement. In 2013, he received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award, further acknowledging his exemplary service to the sport.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Aleem Dar holds the record for the most Test matches umpired, with 145 international fixtures between 2003 and 2023, surpassing the previous mark of 128 set by Steve Bucknor. This achievement underscores his longevity and consistency on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, where he officiated in high-stakes series across multiple continents. In One Day Internationals, Dar broke Rudi Koertzen's record in November 2020 by standing in his 210th ODI during a Pakistan-Zimbabwe match in Rawalpindi, and by his retirement in 2025, he had reached 231 ODIs, the highest tally for any umpire. His total of 448 international matches across all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—also stands as the all-time record, reflecting his pivotal role in global cricket officiating from 2000 to 2024. Dar became the first to officiate international matches for 25 consecutive years, a achieved during the Pakistan-New Zealand T20I series in April 2024, highlighting his enduring reliability and adaptation to evolving playing conditions. These records, accumulated through meticulous and , cement his legacy as one of cricket's most accomplished umpires.

References

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