On Tuesday (May 7), performing his duties in the game between West Indies and Bangladesh at Dublin, Pakistan's Aleem Dar became just the third umpire ever to officiate in 200 One-Day Internationals. The 50-year-old joined the list that features South Africa’s Rudi Koertzen (209) and New Zealand's Billy Bowden (206), who have stood in 200 or more 50-over matches at the highest level. 

Dar, part of the ICC elite panel of umpires since 2004, won the David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year from 2009-2011 and will now be officiating in his fifth World Cup during the forthcoming edition in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July 2019.

Since first officiating an ODI in the year 2000 in a match featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Dar has also umpired in 125 Test matches - only second behind Steve Bucknor with 128 Tests. He has also officiated in the most number of T20Is for any umpire, with 43 matches in the game's shortest international format. 

"Aleem has been one of our most reliable umpires, who has performed his duties consistently over a long period," Adrian Griffith, ICC’s Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, congratulated Dar on the great achievement via a release. 

"The length of his career shows his quality and reflects our belief in him and the role he plays as a custodian of the game. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to congratulate Aleem for reaching this landmark and wish him continued success in his career."

Dar also responded over the accomplishment and expressed that he is "honoured" and "privileged", besides saying that umpiring during the 2011 World Cup played in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh eight years back remains his fondest memory. 

"I feel honoured to have reached 200 ODIs," he said. "Not only the number of matches, it has been a privilege to be in the elite company of some of the best match officials, to watch the best players of this century around the globe and be involved in some of the most fascinating cricket matches."

"There have been lots of highlights in my career, but umpiring in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is something I remember very fondly as all the 15 referrals against my decisions were upheld by technology."

Even Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) congratulated Dar on his feat, with Managing Director Wasim Khan in a release saying, "On behalf of the PCB and all cricket fans, I want to congratulate Aleem on the magnificent achievement of officiating in 200 ODIs. This feat is a testament to Aleem’s skill, judgement and commitment to excellence."

"Aleem is a strong role model for youngsters and retired cricketers who are looking at careers within the game. Umpiring is a hugely credible profession and provides incredible opportunities for individuals to serve the game and earn an excellent living."

(Inputs from CricketNext)