Aleem Dar sets record for officiating most cricket matches by an Asian

Dar has also become the world's sixth umpire to officiate most matches.

ISLAMABAD: Three times International Cricket Council (ICC) Umpire of the Year winner, Pakistan’s Aleem Dar achieved yet another landmark by officiating the most number of test matches by an Asian umpire.

Dar achieved this landmark after he stood in his 74th international cricket match, played out between England and West Indies on Friday, a private news channel reported. He broke the record formerly held by Indian umpire Venkat Raghav who had officiated 73 matches in his career.

Dar ranks sixth in the world for having officiated the most matches.

The umpire from Jhang, said that he was able to achieve this record due to the support from his family and friends.

"Umpiring is my passion and I would continue doing it," he said.

At just 43 years of age, Dar can look forward to a long career still. He was also awarded the Pride of Performance by President Asif Ali Zardari in 2010.

Dar, who started off as a right-arm leg spinner, has made a name for himself as an umpire, featuring on the ICC's elite umpire panel. His accurate decision making has earned him respect from not only the players in the midst of whom he officiates, but also from fellow umpires.