Pakistan Umpire Aleem Dar showers praise on “friendly” Virat Kohli

Aleem Dar, one of the most revered figures in cricket umpiring, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game at the conclusion of Pakistan’s 2024-25 domestic season. This decision marks the end of a career that has spanned nearly 25 years, during which Dar officiated in some of cricket’s most iconic matches and cemented his legacy as one of the finest umpires in the sport’s history.

Known for his calm demeanor and authoritative decision-making, Dar has presided over a record-breaking 145 Test matches and 222 One Day Internationals (ODIs), along with 69 T20 Internationals (T20Is). His journey in umpiring began in Pakistan’s domestic circuits in the late 1990s, before rising to prominence internationally in the early 2000s. At his peak, Dar was widely regarded as the best umpire in the world, winning the ICC’s prestigious David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year three consecutive times between 2009 and 2011.

Aleem Dar praises Virat Kohli

Aleem Dar praised Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, describing him as a “very nice person” and “very friendly.” Dar shared that Kohli always refers to him as “Paaji” during their conversations, reflecting the mutual respect between them. “He is a great person,” Dar added, highlighting Kohli’s warm demeanor.

Umpire Aleem Dar said “Virat Kohli is a very nice person. He is very friendly, When he talks, he always calls me Paaji. He is a great person”.

Breaking Barriers as Pakistan’s First Elite Umpire

Aleem Dar’s rise was monumental for Pakistan, as he became the first umpire from the country to be included in the ICC Elite Panel when it was formed in 2002. His appointment was a significant milestone in an era where neutral umpires were mandated for international matches to ensure fairness and transparency. Dar quickly gained a reputation for his accuracy, fairness, and unflappable temperament, earning the respect of players and fans alike.

During his illustrious career, Dar stood in four World Cup finals, a testament to his trustworthiness and consistency at the highest level. His umpiring career includes some of the most memorable cricketing moments of this generation, from thrilling Test matches to high-pressure World Cup games. As an umpire, he witnessed the rise of legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Brian Lara, and he has often been praised for his ability to handle the pressure of these moments with poise.

Dar’s Final International Matches

Although Dar stepped down from the ICC’s Elite Panel in March 2023, he continued to officiate international games as part of the ICC’s International Panel, which allowed him to stand in ODIs and T20Is. His most recent international duty was during a T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand in April 2024. With Pakistan hosting a busy home season in 2024-25, Dar has hinted that the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring New Zealand and South Africa in February 2025 might be his last international assignment.

West Indies announce squad for Sri Lanka T20 and ODI Series

In addition to this, Dar could have a fitting high-profile farewell in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, where he has been a regular fixture in the umpiring lineup. With PSL often celebrated as Pakistan’s premier cricketing event, this would be a fitting stage for Dar to bid adieu to his international umpiring career.

A Legacy of Excellence

At his best, Dar was renowned for his meticulous decision-making and deep knowledge of the game. His accuracy with LBW decisions, even before the advent of technologies like DRS (Decision Review System), earned him the trust of players and peers. Dar’s leadership and consistency helped elevate the standards of umpiring worldwide.

Reflecting on his retirement, Dar issued a statement: “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. Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honor to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world.”

Dar also spoke about his decision to retire: “All great journeys must eventually come to an end. 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.”

Contributions Beyond Cricket: The Aleem Dar Foundation

Off the field, Aleem Dar has been equally active in giving back to society. In recent years, he has dedicated much of his time to charity work through the Aleem Dar Foundation, which he established to provide vital healthcare services. The foundation runs a free ambulance service and offers a blood bank and transfusion services for thalassemia patients, a cause that Dar is particularly passionate about.

As he steps away from the game, Dar plans to focus even more on these initiatives, ensuring that his legacy extends far beyond cricket. His contributions to the community reflect the same values of dedication and service that he brought to his umpiring career.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram