Aleem Dar steps down from Pakistan’s selection committee following World Cup exit

Former umpire Aleem Dar, who was part of Pakistan’s national selection committee, has reportedly resigned from his role following the T20 World Cup exit. The decision is understood to stem from a lack of discussion within the panel, which includes Aaqib Javed and Asad Shafiq.

Lack of discussion within the panel

The former umpire was frustrated at being sidelined during key decisions. For instance, he advocated for Mohammad Rizwan to be included in the T20 World Cup squad at No. 6 as a wicketkeeper-batter. 

He also opposed the inclusion of out-of-form players, including Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, and Usman Khan. However, the panel sided with coach Mike Hesson’s suggestions and persisted with the said players.

Sources reveal that Dar felt isolated during decision-making, with Javed said to have sided with Hesson’s suggestions on several occasions, limiting the scope for discussion. Other panel members, as revealed by sources, remained silent on the matters, leaving Dar isolated.

Dar joined selection committee in 2024

The former ICC umpire was appointed by the PCB as a national selector in October 2024, shortly after he capped an illustrious umpiring career where he officiated in 435 matches, the most by any umpire.

Pakistan crashed out prematurely of the T20 World Cup, marking their fourth consecutive ICC event in which they failed to reach the semi-finals.

ALSO READ:

List of all PSL Teams with their home grounds for the upcoming season- IPL