Dar was never appointed for India-England series, confirms ICC

Media reports suggested earlier that 48-year-old was replaced by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena on security grounds

LAHORE: Pakistani umpire and a senior member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) elite panel, Aleem Dar, has denied reports that he was withdrawn from the upcoming India-England Test series on security grounds.

It was earlier reported in the media that the 48-year-old was replaced by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena for the five-match series, which will start from November 9.

While talking to the Express News, Dar confirmed that he is in Australia and he was never informed about officiating in the India-England Test series. “I am busy in Australia, and I never heard any about that [India-England] series,” he said.

ICC spokesman also confirmed Express News regarding the development that Dar was only appointed to officiate in the upcoming Australia-South Africa Test series. “Aleem [Dar] was never appointed for India-England Test series,” confirmed an ICC spokesman. “He was selected for the Australia – South Africa Test series, and that’s why he is in Perth for the first match, which will begin from November 3."

Dar, who has already stood in 105 Tests, was withdrawn from officiating the fifth and final match of the ODI series between India and South Africa in Mumbai earlier this year after threats from far-right political group Shiv Sena.