The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has honoured 43-year-old umpire Aleem Dar by naming the umpire’s room at the Gaddafi Stadium after him.
The PCB has also announced Rs one million and a trophy for the umpire as recognition for his achievements.
Dar won the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year for the third consecutive time last month, during the ICC Awards held in London. For the award, he beat Steve Davis, Ian Gould and five-time winner Simon Taufel.
Talking to journalists at National Stadium Karachi, Dar said that his achievements were indebted to the prayers of the nation. He also requested the Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif to allot him a ground where he can provide facilities to the upcoming players and umpires.
Earlier, Dar had dedicated his third consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year award to the flood and dengue disease victims in Pakistan. Dar said he saw the award as a tribute and gift for the resilience of the Pakistani nation.
“Pakistan is presently facing so many problems from the floods, dengue disease and even otherwise. Yet we fight on and that is amazing for me. I see this award as a feel good factor for my fellow Pakistanis,” Dar said.
Dar officiated in five Tests and 13 ODIs during the voting period, including the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka at Mumbai on April 2.