ICC World Cup: Who is Aleem Dar whose decision created controversy during Ind vs Bangla match?

Bengaluru, March 20: 46-year-old Aleem Sarwar Dar, who is popularly known as Aleem Dar, made headlines during second quarter final match of ICC World Cup 2015 between India and Bangladesh in Melbourne on Thursday, March 19.

Dar's one decision of signalling a no-ball during the match created controversy. His one decision helped Indian player Rohit Sharma, who was awarded Man of the Match of the day. [Aleem Dar under fire after his no-ball call 'helps' Rohit Sharma hit century]

Who is Aleem Dar?

Dar hails from Pakistan. He played first-class cricket in the country. He is considered as one of the prominent leading international umpires since his retirement as a player. [Aleem Dar controversy: ICC president Mustafa Kamal slams 'Indian Cricket Council']

Dar, a well-known member of ICC Elite umpire panel, won three consecutive ICC Umpire of the Year awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

He was chosen as the umpire for ICC World Cup for the first time in 2003. He is the first Pakistani who got the chance of becoming a part of the ICC Elite Umpire Panel in 2004. [Aleem Dar's no-ball decision '50-50 call', Kamal's comments 'unfortunate': ICC]

Within just seven years of his career as an umpire, Dar created a record and touched a milestone in 2007. He umpired in his 100th ODI, between India and Australia at Mumbai, making him the tenth umpire in the history of cricket to reach that landmark. He is the only Pakistani who has achieved the milestone.

Significant Awards:

After winning Umpire of the Year award for three consecutive times in 2009, 2010, 2011, Pakistani Government in 2010 had honoured him with the President's Award for Pride of Performance.

He was also honoured by ICC for officiating in 150 ODIs.

Death threat to Dar and others:

Dar along with another famous umpire Steve Bucknor had received death threats during a Test match between England and South Africa at Centurion in 2005.

Another controversy which led to Dar's suspension:

This is not the first time when Dar landed in a controversy. Earlier in 2007 during World Cup final match between Australia and Sri Lanka, Dar had created the controversy.

Unaware of the playing conditions of the Duckworth-Lewis system, Dar allowed Australia bowl three extra overs in near darkness.

Following this controversial decision, Dar along with other officials including Bucknor, Koertzen, Bowden and Crowe, was suspended by ICC.

Dar and other officials were suspended from their duties during 2007 World Twenty20 Championship.

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