Aleem Dar, one of cricket’s most celebrated umpires, will retire from all forms of umpiring at the end of Pakistan’s current domestic season. The 56-year-old, who has had a career spanning nearly 25 years, will step away from the sport after making a significant mark on the global cricketing stage.
Having stepped down from the ICC Elite Panel of umpires in March 2023, Dar continued to officiate in limited-overs matches as part of the International Panel. His most recent international appearance was in a T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand in April. As Pakistan has a busy home season, mainly with Test matches, Dar’s last opportunity to umpire in an international game could be the ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in February 2025. He is also expected to officiate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, which will provide an opportunity for a high-profile farewell.
A Distinguished Career
Aleem Dar’s career is marked by excellence and respect. At his peak, Dar was widely considered the best umpire in the world, winning the prestigious ICC David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011. As the first Pakistani umpire to join the ICC Elite Panel in 2002, he paved the way for neutral umpires in international cricket. He has officiated in a record-breaking 145 Test matches and 222 ODIs, including standing in four World Cup finals.
Reflecting on his journey, Dar stated, “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. 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.”
Focus on Charity Work
In recent years, Dar has reduced his on-field commitments to focus on his social initiatives. He established the Aleem Dar Foundation, which provides a free ambulance service and runs a blood bank and transfusion center for thalassemia patients. Dar expressed his intent to dedicate more time to this cause after his retirement.
“All great journeys must eventually come to an end, and the time has come for me to focus fully on my social and charity work. My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart and require my full devotion and attention,” Dar said.
A Mentor for the Next Generation
Before his umpiring career, Dar was a cricketer who played 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches as a leg-spinner between 1986 and 1998. He began his umpiring journey during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Looking ahead, Dar expressed a desire to mentor and guide the next generation of match officials, continuing his legacy within the cricketing community.