Early Life and Introduction to Cricket:
Aleem Dar was born on June 6, 1968, in Jhang, a city in Punjab, Pakistan. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in cricket, which eventually led him to pursue a career in umpiring. Like many youngsters in Pakistan, Dar dreamed of playing cricket professionally, but realizing his limitations as a player, he shifted his focus to umpiring, a decision that would alter the course of his life and the landscape of cricket officiating.
Umpiring Career Beginnings:
Dar's journey as an umpire began in the late 1990s when he started officiating in domestic matches in Pakistan. His understanding of the game, coupled with his calm demeanor and astute decision-making abilities, quickly caught the attention of cricketing authorities. He rose through the ranks swiftly, earning his place as an international umpire in 2000 when he officiated his first One Day International (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Gujranwala.
Rise to Prominence:
Aleem Dar's rise to prominence in international umpiring circles was meteoric. His consistent and accurate decision-making, coupled with his unflappable temperament on the field, earned him widespread recognition and respect. He soon became a regular fixture in international cricket, officiating in prestigious tournaments such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and various bilateral series involving the top cricketing nations.
Major Tournaments and Achievements:
Dar's illustrious career is adorned with numerous achievements and milestones. He has officiated in multiple ICC Cricket World Cups, showcasing his proficiency and reliability on the grandest stage of them all. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and make correct decisions even in the most high-stakes matches has earned him accolades from players, coaches, and cricketing pundits worldwide.
Notable Matches and Moments:
Throughout his career, Aleem Dar has been involved in several memorable matches and moments that have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. From crucial decisions in tight contests to maintaining order during heated exchanges between players, Dar has demonstrated exemplary professionalism and impartiality, cementing his status as one of the finest umpires of his generation.
Challenges and Criticisms:
Despite his stellar reputation and unwavering commitment to upholding the spirit of the game, Aleem Dar has not been immune to criticism and controversies. Like all umpires, he has faced scrutiny over certain decisions, with some instances leading to heated debates and discussions among fans and experts. However, Dar has always maintained his dignity and integrity in the face of adversity, focusing on his duties as an impartial arbiter of the game.
Evolution of Umpiring Technology:
One significant aspect of Dar's career is his adaptation to the evolution of umpiring technology. With the introduction of innovations such as the Decision Review System (DRS), umpires have had to adjust their approach to decision-making, incorporating technology into their decision-making process. Dar's proficiency in utilizing DRS and other technological advancements has further enhanced his credibility as a top-tier umpire.
Mentorship and Legacy:
Throughout his career, Aleem Dar has been a mentor and role model for aspiring umpires, both in Pakistan and around the world. He has actively mentored and guided young officials, imparting his knowledge and expertise to groom the next generation of umpiring talent. Dar's legacy extends beyond his on-field performances; it lies in his contribution to the development and professionalism of cricket umpiring globally.
Retirement and Current Status:
As of my last update in January 2022, Aleem Dar has not officially announced his retirement from umpiring. However, it's essential to note that umpires, like players, have a finite career span, and Dar, who is in his mid-50s, may consider retiring from international umpiring in the near future. Nevertheless, his exact retirement plans remain uncertain, as he continues to officiate in international matches, showcasing his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to his craft.
Salary and Compensation:
The specific details of Aleem Dar's salary and compensation package as an international cricket umpire are not publicly disclosed. Like many professions in sports officiating, umpiring contracts and remuneration can vary based on factors such as experience, reputation, and the governing bodies involved. However, it is generally understood that top-tier umpires such as Dar receive competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with their stature and responsibilities.
Absence from World Cup 2023:
Aleem Dar's absence from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, or any major tournament, can be attributed to various factors, including scheduling conflicts, rotation policies implemented by cricketing boards and the ICC, or personal reasons. While Dar's non-inclusion in a specific tournament may disappoint fans who admire his umpiring prowess, it's essential to recognize that the selection of match officials for major events is a prerogative of the ICC and its affiliated boards, based on various criteria and considerations.
Conclusion:
Aleem Dar's career as a cricket umpire exemplifies dedication, professionalism, and excellence. From his humble beginnings in Pakistan to officiating on the grandest stages of international cricket, Dar has left an indelible mark on the sport with his impeccable decision-making, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to fairness and integrity. While his exact retirement plans remain uncertain, Dar's legacy as one of the finest umpires in cricketing history is secure, serving as an inspiration to aspiring officials and a testament to the timeless values of the game.
FAQs:
Why did Aleem Dar step down?
A testimony to how good he was at his job is the fact that he clinched the ICC Umpire of the Year honour for three times in a row between 2009 and 2011. However, Dar also clarified that he intends to continue to umpire but felt this was the right time for him to vacate his spot in the elite panel.
What is the salary of ICC umpires?
Umpires Name ODI Match Fee Annual Earnings
Kumar Dharmasena ; $3,000 $100,000
Aleem Dar ; $3,000 $100,000
Christopher Gaffaney ; $3,000 $100,000
Marais Erasmus ; $3,000 $100,000
Who is the funny umpire in cricket?
Brent Fraser "Billy" Bowden (born 11 April 1963) is a New Zealand cricket umpire and former cricketer. He was a player until rheumatoid arthritis forced him to retire. He is well known for his dramatic signaling style which includes the famous "crooked finger of doom" out signal.
Did Aleem Dar retire?
On 16 March 2023, Dar stepped down from the elite panel of umpires after a 19-year career. He will still umpire games if the PCB selects him to stand in games played in Pakistan. 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 what age do umpires retire?
The Cricket Board has increased the retirement age of umpires who have officiated in Test matches from 55 to 60 years while the retirement age for umpires who have supervised only in one-day internationals has gone up to 58 from 55 years.
