Rawalpindi: Aleem Dar on Sunday broke the record for most ODIs as an on-field umpire when he stood for his 210th match in the series’ second match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe here.
The 52-year-old from Pakistan surpassed South African Rudi Koertzen’s record of officiating in most ODIs. Dar also holds the record of umpiring in most Test matches.
He achieved the feat when he officiated in his 132nd match last year — Australia vs New Zealand in Perth in December — to go past Jamaican Steve Bucknor’s mark.
The record for officiating in the most international matches — 387 — is also in the name of Dar.
He has also umpired in 45 T20 internationals, one behind his countryman Ahsan Raza.
“It is a matter of great honour for me to be on top of the list of both Tests and ODIs for umpires. When I had started … 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,” Dar said in an ICC statement.
“… I am grateful to the ICC 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,” he added. (PTI)
