Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza was on Thursday (today) included in the elite panel of umpires of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Raza has taken part in seven Tests, 41 ODIs, and 48 T20Is during his so far umpiring career
The ICC said in a press release on Thursday that South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock and Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza for 2023-24 have been added to the elite panel of ICC umpires.
“The addition of Holdstock and Raza has increased the number of umpires on the panel from 11 to 12. The addition was overseen by the ICC Elite Umpire Selection Panel headed by ICC General Manager – Cricket Wasim Khan. Holdstock appeared in five Tests, 42 ODIs, and 48 T20Is. Raza stood in seven Tests, 41 ODIs, and 48 T20Is.
Dar continued his rise when he was named a member of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires in 2004. Cup in South Africa, He was the first Pakistani to be appointed to the elite panel,”
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said while praising Dar’s contributions “Aleem’s contribution to international cricket and the ICC has been truly remarkable. Consistently elite performances over such a long period of time have seen him command enormous respect among all involved in international cricket. wishing Aleem all the best for the future and I’m sure his involvement in the game will continue for many years to come.”
Aleem Dar, who has played 435 men’s international matches, has decided to step down from the panel after 19 years.
the ICC said “Dar with his long and celebrated career as an international referee.
He made his international debut in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning appreciation from players and fans for his sound decisions in matches. “
It added “Dar was appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires in 2002 and officiated the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa. Dar continued his rise when he was named a member of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires in 2004. He was the first Pakistani to be appointed to the elite panel,”
The gift also shed light on his journey as an umpire, which included being voted the ICC Umpire of the Year for three consecutive years between 2009 and 2011.
Dar said.”It’s been a long journey but I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve had the pleasure and honor of refereeing all over the world and what I’ve got is something I never dreamed of when I started this career.
he added I am still interested in continuing as an international referee, I felt now was the right time to step down from the elite panel after 19 years on the road and give the opportunity to someone from an international panel. My message to referees around the world is to work hard, maintain discipline and never stop learning.
Other members of the jury are Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand), Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka), Marais Erasmus (South Africa), Michael Gough (England), Nitin Menon (India), Paul Reiffel (Australia), Richard Illingworth (England), Richard Kettleborough (England), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Joel Wilson (West Indies).
no change in the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.
