Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar tells DNA that using the system is the way forward as a single wrong decision can change the whole scenario of the match,
You had a flawless World Cup. How does it feel?
It is a great honour for anybody to participate in the World Cup as a player or an official and it was a second opportunity for me to supervise the World Cup matches as an umpire. With regard to my performance in the WC, I am really proud of it but I must say it was all because of the blessing of the Almighty Allah, for which I am thankful to Him. It is indeed a great feeling.
Not one decision of yours was overturned with the use of technology. What was the secret?
I don’t feel any pressure of the technology and carry out my duty as an umpire in normal routine manner.
With DRS around, is it like a competition between technology and the umpires?
The DRS is not a competition between human ability and technology. It is a way forward for the correction of possible human errors as one single wrong decision can change the whole scenario of the match. So, I would never mind if a player rightly survives with the help of DRS. I am confident that good umpires make very less mistakes in the matches and if slightest possibility of error is also eliminated with the help of technology, it would only add to the grace of the game.
Is it not pressurising to know that there is an element that can overturn your decision?
Since umpires are human beings and as human beings we are prone to commit mistakes, I would never feel embarrassed if any of my decision is overturned by technology. Rather, it is more satisfying to know that nobody has become a victim of a mistake. After the revised decision through DRS, one should concentrate on the next delivery. If you take it to heart, it would create further chances of mistakes. So one should always be relaxed and look at the light side of such eventualities.
There was a lot of debate on a couple of referred decisions, especially with the 2.5 metres rule. Can you explain the whole situation?
With regard to the LBW decisions, the height of the ball is always an issue and even with the use of technology, you can’t be 100 per cent sure about the height. If a batsman stretches forward and the distance of the impact of ball is 2.5 metres or more from the stumps, the “Not Out” decision of the field umpire would only be overturned if Hawk-Eye shows some part of the ball hitting the middle stump. The Hawk-Eye technology is simply a guideline and cannot provide 100 per cent assurance of the track of ball after impact, especially when the ball has to travel a longer distance after impact and you can’t rule out the air pressure and shine of the ball, changing its original course.
Among all cricket playing nations, which has been the most difficult place to officiate in and why?
The subcontinent venues are more difficult to officiate, especially in Sri Lanka and India. It is due to the following reasons: — Atmosphere is magnificent, but very noisy and you cannot hear the slight/faint impact of the ball with the edge of bat.
— Ball turns more on these pitches and you feel difficulty in making decisions, especially in LBW. As the pitch deteriorates, the bounce becomes slightly inconsistent, so you have to be very aware.
— Pitches are comparatively softer and batsmen running on the pitch or bowler resting his foot in the danger area can damage the wicket greater, therefore attention of the umpire is sometimes focused on these other issues and may distract us from our original requirements.
How do you keep yourself fit to stand for eight long hours on the field?
To keep myself fit for the rigours of standing in a match as a field umpire, I frequently go to gym, play cricket matches for my club, P & T Gymkhana Lahore. To further maintain my reflexes and improve “Eye-On-The-ball” strategy, I regularly play table tennis and badminton with my children.
What do you think went wrong with the Pakistan campaign in
the World Cup?
I think that the Pakistan team played extremely well and came home from the tournament with pride. They were competitive throughout and there was a lot that they did right. In the semifinal, India outplayed them. However, our nation should rejoice at their performance.
The turmoil seems to never end in Pakistan cricket. They are embroiled in some controversy or the other. How do you react at the whole situation?
Cricket in Pakistan has been in turmoil for the last couple of years due to a variety of reasons. International teams are not visiting Pakistan and there have been some controversies. However, I believe the abundance of cricketing talent in my country and love and passion of the public/common man for cricket in Pakistan shall soon create a wave to overcome these problems. We will continue to produce exciting cricket and great teams — the controversies should not be seen as a never ending proposition.
Can you relive one funny incident during your tenure as an ICC umpire?
During a Test match in Wellington, Asoka de Silva and I were officiating. After lunch break, when we tried to enter back in the ground, security people stopped us from entering saying that we were not the umpires. The reason being that a couple of ground staff were already standing on the pitch wearing similar dress. With the interventions of local match officials, the matter was resolved but it provided a moment of laughter.
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