Aleem Sarwar Dar, commonly known as Aleem Dar, is a former cricketer and current umpire from Pakistan. Born on June 6, 1968, in Jhang, Pakistan, Dar’s career in cricket has been an extraordinary journey, transitioning from a middle-order batsman and leg-spinner to becoming one of the most respected and accomplished umpires in the game today.
Dar’s playing career, which spanned over a decade, unfortunately, did not reach great heights. However, his tremendous talent and understanding of the game led him to discover his true calling as an umpire. In the year 2000, at the age of 32, Dar officiated in his first One Day International (ODI) match. His exceptional skills and sharp decision-making abilities quickly caught the attention of cricket authorities and within two years, he was appointed to the prestigious International Cricket Council (ICC) panel.
The year 2003 proved to be a turning point for Dar, as he had the honor of umpiring in the World Cup, emerging from the tournament with his reputation significantly enhanced. Later that year, he made his Test debut and immediately garnered praise for his sound decision-making skills in challenging matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. In just six months, Dar’s outstanding performance led to his promotion to the ICC’s elite panel, solidifying his status as one of the best umpires in the world.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dar has established himself as a highly-respected umpire, known for his professionalism and accuracy. Alongside Simon Taufel, he is considered one of the standout younger officials in the game. In April 2007, he had the privilege of officiating in the high-stakes final of the World Cup. However, a controversial ending to the match, and Dar’s role in misinterpreting the rules regarding bad light, resulted in his suspension for the Twenty20 World Championships held later that year.
Despite his demanding career as an umpire, Aleem Dar retained his love for playing cricket. While he may not have excelled at the highest level, he continued to play the sport at various platforms in conjunction with his umpiring duties. He even managed to achieve an impressive score of 82 in a local match the day following an international Test match, showcasing his unwavering passion and dedication to the game.
In his umpiring style, Dar exemplifies understated professionalism. He avoids unnecessary theatrics and instead communicates his decisions in a calm and composed manner. His signals for boundaries involve a simple and economical wave, while he nods affirmatively before declaring a batsman out. This unobtrusive approach contributes to the overall smoothness and fair play of the game, making him a popular choice among players and fans alike.
Aleem Dar’s exceptional umpiring skills and unwavering dedication to the sport have earned him immense respect within the cricketing fraternity. His journey from a modest playing career to becoming one of the elite umpires in international cricket is a testament to his commitment and love for the game. With his vast experience and outstanding track record, Aleem Dar continues to make significant contributions to the world of cricket while upholding the highest standards of fairness and accuracy.
