DUBAI: Renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar has stepped down from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires after 19 years.

Dar, who had been a part of the Elite Panel since its inception in 2002, officiated more Tests and ODIs than any other umpire and is second in T20Is, behind compatriot Ahsan.

As a result, Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza and South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock have been added to the panel after Dar stepped down. Their inclusion saw the number of umpires in the panel rose up to 12 from 11.

“South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza have been added to the ICC’s Elite Panel of Umpires for 2023-24,” stated ICC in a press release on Thursday.

“The addition of Holdstock and Raza sees the number of umpires in the panel rise up to 12 from 11. The additions were overseen by the ICC Elite Umpire selection panel, headed by ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan. Holdstock has officiated in five Tests, 42 ODIs and 48 T20Is. Raza has stood in seven Tests, 41 ODIs and 48 T20Is,” the statement added.

Aleem, who holds the record of officiating record 435 international matches reflected on his remarkable career and thanked his colleagues over the years.

“It has been a long journey, but I have enjoyed every bit of it. I have had the pleasure and honour of umpiring the world over and what I have achieved is something I did not even dream of when I started in the profession.

“Though I am still keen to continue as an international umpire, I felt it was now the right time, after 19 years on the road to step away from the Elite panel and provide an opportunity to someone from the International Panel. My message to umpires the world over is to work hard, maintain discipline and never stop learning.

“I thank the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and my colleagues on the panel for their support over the years. I would also like to thank my family; without whose support I could not have gone on for so long. I look forward to continuing to serve the game as an umpire.”

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