Ashish Ranjan
On Thursday, South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza were added to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, while veteran Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar stood down after 19 years on the Elite panel and officiating a record 435 men’s international matches.Aleem, who has been a member of the Elite panel since its inception in 2002, has officiated in more Tests and One-Day Internationals than any other umpire and is second in Twenty20 Internationals, behind compatriot Ahsan.
Aleem dar, who won the David Shepherd Trophy for three consecutive years – 2009, 2010, and 2011 – competed in the 2007 and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup finals. Aleem appeared in the finals of the 2010 and 2012 ICC Twenty20 World Cups.Aleem, the first Pakistani umpire to be a member of the ICC Elite Panel, reflected on his career and hailed his colleagues for their support over the years.
“This has been a lengthy journey, but I have thoroughly relished every moment of it. I have had the pleasure and honour of officiating all over the globe, and what I have accomplished is something I could not have even imagined when I began my career “said Aleem in an ICC statement.
“Although I am still eager to continue as an international umpire, I felt it was time, after 19 years on the road, to step down from the Elite panel and give someone from the International Panel a chance. My message to all umpires is to work diligently, maintain discipline, and never cease learning. I appreciate the support of the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and my fellow panellists over the years. Without the support of my family, I would not have been able to continue for so long. I eagerly anticipate continuing to serve as an arbiter “Aleem added.
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During the annual evaluation and selection process, the ICC Elite Umpire Selection Panel, led by ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan, increased the number of umpires on the panel from 11 to 12. The Emirates ICC Elite Council of Match Referees remains unchanged.
