Lahore, March 3, 2026: Former international umpire Aleem Dar has reportedly resigned from Pakistan’s men’s national selection committee, citing frustration over the growing authority of head coach Mike Hesson and what he viewed as a lack of independent input from fellow selectors following the team’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
Sources familiar with the matter said the 57-year-old felt increasingly sidelined during squad deliberations and was particularly opposed to the inclusion of Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan in the World Cup squad.
Dar is understood to have advocated for wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan to be promoted to the crucial No. 6 position, arguing that if extended opportunities were being given to inconsistent performers, Rizwan should be afforded the same level of confidence from the panel.
Insiders suggest internal dynamics within the committee further compounded Dar’s frustration.
Former fast bowler Aqib Javed is said to have consistently aligned with head coach Hesson’s views during discussions, while former captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly remained largely silent on key decisions.
The perceived lack of robust debate and independent thinking allegedly left Dar feeling isolated, with his contributions undervalued.
Dar had only been appointed to the revamped selection panel on October 11, 2024. The committee also included former Test captain Azhar Ali and analyst Hasan Cheema.
Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 World Cup ended in the Super Eights stage after a washout against New Zealand and a subsequent defeat to England. A heavy loss to arch-rivals India further intensified criticism of the team’s performance and strategy.
The early exit has triggered widespread introspection within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In a related development, the PCB has reportedly imposed significant financial penalties on the players. Sources confirmed that each squad member has been fined Rs5 million, with the board making it clear that financial incentives will now be strictly performance-based.
Dar’s resignation marks a sudden end to his brief tenure as a selector, closing a short chapter in an otherwise illustrious cricketing career.
Widely regarded as one of the game’s most respected umpires, Dar holds the world record for officiating the most men’s international matches — standing in 435 Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, including four World Cup finals.
His departure adds another layer of uncertainty as Pakistan cricket looks to regroup after a turbulent global campaign.
