The best umpire award seems to have boosted the confidence of Pakistan’s Aleem Dar. In a free-wheeling chat, he bares his heart to DNA.
What does being the best umpire in the world mean to you?
Being acknowledged as the best umpire in the world means the world to me. It shows that I have been consistent with my decision making and that is what umpiring is all about. You may make a mistake or two but if you are consistent about making correct decisions, it means you are a good umpire. I also feel proud to be the first Asian umpire to win the award.
What has changed since you won the award?
I guess players treat you with a bit more respect. I am not saying that earlier they were disrespectful to me or anything. But being acknowledged as the best gives you extra confidence. When I got the award, people asked me how I was going to celebrate. For me, it was not about celebrating but about doing well in the very next match.
What is your take on the amount of technology being used in umpiring and would you have preferred to officiate in an era when there was no technology?
I don’t mind technology being used in the game to ensure that the best possible cricket is being played. Once during a match there were five referrals made against my decisions but all my decisions were right. In a way, technology helps umpires to stay more focused as we know that if we make a mistake then everybody will know about it.
How do you prepare before a game?
I always try and stay relaxed. The key is to treat every game in the same way. It doesn’t matter if it involves Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia…Every game has to be treated in the same manner. I don’t think about making mistakes. If you think about it you will make more mistakes.
Have you ever apologised to a player after you realised you gave a bad decision? I have not apologised to a player but I have said ‘hard luck’. There are situations where your decision can affect a game and sometimes a wrong decision can change the outcome of a match to a certain extent.
Which is the toughest series you have officiated in?
For me the Ashes is one of the most difficult and tough series as it is very closely watched and there is a lot of pressure as everyone’s attention is on the series.
Your toughest phase…
My toughest phase was during the Carribean World Cup final. We as a group of umpires and officials didn’t read the playing conditions well. I was removed after that. It was a testing period but I knew that phase would pass. I didn’t let things get me down. I am happy that I have been able to come back well after that.
Dar Devil
Made his debut in ODIs in 2000 with a Pakistan-Sri Lanka match
Made his debut in Tests in 2003 with a Bangladesh-England match
In 2002 he became a member of ICC’s International Panel of umpires
In 2004 he became the first Pakistani to be a part of the ICC Elite Panel
Was awarded the ICC Umpire of the Year 2009
Comments