There are very few humans in sports who have beaten technology with sheer ability. Pakistan’s Aleem Dar is one such example. What better tribute to his umpiring genius than a hat-trick of ICC Umpire of the Year awards – beating a giant like Simon Taufel all these years! They say the introduction of technology has made the decision-making much more easier, but Dar has shown that no gadgets can ever match gifted humans.
For this and coming generations, he has set an example. Commentators and former umpires were in awe of his mastery in the World Cup in India where he was the only umpire with a 100 per cent record. No hot spot, hawk-eye, snicko or tracker could dispute his decision. It was not only his unbelievable accuracy that won him praise, but also his conduct that brought him admiration from everyone. The 43-year old has been the most consistent performer for a country that is now notorious for incompetence, corruption and scandals. He is on top for the third consecutive year and is still going great guns.
“It’s all about handling the pressure on the field and remaining calm and composed,” said Dar. It was because of such performance that the David Shepherd Trophy was bestowed upon Dar. All the 10 Test playing captains and the eight-member panel of ICC match referees voted for him in the award. The 2011 inductee to ICC’s Hall of Fame, Alan Davidson, handed the trophy to the Pakistani umpire. Dar, whose umpiring career began in 2000, beat Australia’s Simon Taufel and England’s Ian Gould.
The umpire said that he would bring respect to his country by officiating for long and would hang his boots when he feels he cannot maintain his best. He has shown determination to carry on to enhance the image of Pakistan in future too. It was his day and night practice that has made him a perfect decision maker. One still remembers the days when he used to stand at the wicket to master the understanding of the ball movement during the Pakistan cricket team’s practice sessions at the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Cricket Academy.
