Pakistan and ICC Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar on Tuesday became just the third umpire after Rudi Koertzen and Billy Bowden to stand in 200 ODIs!
For his achievement Pakistan cricket board has congratulated Dar and termed it a great feat.
“On behalf of the PCB and all cricket fans, I want to congratulate Aleem Dar on the magnificent achievement of officiating in 200 ODIs. This feat is testament to Aleem’s skill, judgement and commitment to excellence,” said PCB Managing Director, Wasim Khan.
Speaking about his journey Aleem Dar said, “I remember my 1st ODI, which was coincidentally in my hometown of Gujranwala between S Lanka & Pakistan in 2000. My 200th is in Dublin & it’s been a 19-year journey, sometimes a tough one without my family who made a big sacrifice for my ambitions & love for the game”.
“Being involved in some of the epic Ashes clashes, umpiring the 2004 Antigua Test where Brian Lara scored 400* & 2006 South Africa versus Australia ODI where South Africa chased down 434 in Johannesburg are some of the other matches that stand out for me,” he further said.
“There have been lots of highlights in my career, but umpiring in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is something I remember very fondly as all the 15 referrals against my decisions were upheld by technology,” Dar added.