PERTH: When Aleem Dar took to the field on Thursday to umpire in first Test between New Zealand and Australia in Perth, he broke the record of West Indian Steve Bucknor’s to have officiated in most test matches.
This is Dar’s 129th stint as official on-field umpire in an International Test match, a feat not achieved by any of the umpires so far.
In ODI umpiring, Aleem has officiated in 207 and is only two short of the world record of 209 ODI matches which is presently held by South Africa’s Rudi Koertzen.
Dar expressed gratitude to his family, PCB – Pakistan Cricket Board and ICC – International Cricket Council for supporting him in reach this milestone. He called it an ‘honour’ to surpass Bucknor’s record who he calls his personal favourite umpire of all time.
ICC paid tribute to veteran umpire on its official twitter handle.
51-year-old Pakistani national who was a veteran first class cricket player went on to make his mark in cricket umpiring after making his debut in 2000.
A glance of an outstanding umpiring career of Aleem Dar
- ODI umpiring debut in 2000 in Gujranwala, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- Test debut in 2003 in Dhaka, England vs Bangladesh
- Has also umpired 46 T20 internationals
- Won umpire of the year award for consecutive 3 years in 2009, 2010 and 2011
- Was awarded Pride of Performance award by Government of Pakistan in 2010
- During 2010 ICC Cricket World Cup when all 15 appeals against his decisions were turned down
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