ISLAMABAD – Renowned cricket umpire Aleem Dar has announced his retirement after the 2025 Pakistan domestic season. The 56-year-old, a three-time ICC Umpire of the Year, has been a prominent figure in international cricket officiating for over two decades.
Dar, who served on the ICC elite panel of umpires from 2003 to 2023, is currently part of Pakistan’s elite umpiring panel and one of four Pakistani umpires on the ICC international panel, eligible to officiate in ODIs and T20s.
“It’s the right time for me to step down and make room for emerging umpires,” Dar said, adding that he wants to dedicate more time to his social and charity work, including his hospital project.
Having played 17 first-class matches and 18 List A games from 1986 to 1998, Dar transitioned into umpiring, debuting in Pakistan’s domestic competition, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, in 1999. Over the years, he has officiated in 145 Test matches, 231 ODIs, 72 T20s, and five T20 World Cups.
Reflecting on his career, Dar expressed pride in having upheld the highest standards of sportsmanship and working alongside some of the finest match officials in the world. He emphasized his commitment to mentoring the next generation of umpires in Pakistan.
Dar’s retirement will mark the end of an illustrious umpiring career spanning nearly 25 years.
