Aleem Dar Sets Record For Most ODIs As Umpire

Aleem Dar broke Rudi Koertzen’s record as he officiated the most number of One-Day International (ODIs) with his appearance in the second match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe. It was the 210th match for Aleem Dar as an umpire in the ODIs – the most by any in cricketing history.

The 52-year-old, who played first-class cricket in Pakistan for over a decade as an all-rounder before taking up umpiring, had also made his ODI debut in Pakistan, when he stood in a match against Sri Lanka in his hometown of Gujranwala in February 2000, the global governing council said in a media release.

It is a matter of great honour for me: Aleem Dar

Last year, Aleem passed his idol Steve Bucknor to the top of the Test umpires’ list. He holds the record of officiating in 132 Test matches and is second in the list of T20Is, only behind compatriot Ahsan Raza, with 46 T20Is. Aleem has officiated in 387 international matches so far, the most by any umpire, the release said.

“It is a matter of great honour for me to be on the top of the list of both Tests and ODIs for umpires,” Aleem Dar said.

“When I had started out in the profession, I had never imagined I would get this far. I can only say that I have enjoyed every moment on the field and learning has been an ongoing process all this while.

“I thank my family for standing by me over the years and am grateful to the International Cricket Council and the Pakistan Cricket Board for backing me and providing me with all the opportunities. I am also thankful to all my colleague match officials for their help and support.”

Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager Umpires and Referees, also congratulated Dar for being consistent with his performance over the years.