Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar to retire after 2024-25 domestic season

Aleem Dar, the Pakistan umpire who has officiated in 448 international matches so far during his over 20-year career, on Friday decided to bid adieu to the profession at the end of the 2024-25 domestic season.

Respected for his umpiring judgement and a clean career sheet, Dar has been a distinguished member of the ICC's Elite and International Panels from 2003.

It reflected in the 56-year-old Dar winning the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year (2009-2011) thrice in his career.

Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I have cherished the privilege of officiating some of the most iconic matches involving the greatest players of this generation, Dar said in a statement.

Throughout my career, I've strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honour to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world, he added.

Dar said he will now focus on charity work.

However, all great journeys must eventually come to an end,