In a major shake-up within Pakistan cricket administration, Aleem Dar, former elite international umpire and member of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) national selection committee, has resigned from his post following Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His departure marks the first significant change in the selection panel after a tournament filled with criticism and controversy.
Resignation Confirmed by PCB Sources
Aleem Dar, widely respected for his distinguished 20-year career on the cricket field as an umpire, officially submitted his resignation to PCB officials on March 2, 2026, soon after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign concluded without reaching the semi-final stage of the World Cup. Sources tell media that Dar decided to step down due to the team’s lacklustre results and amid rising scrutiny of selection decisions by the committee.
The News Pakistan reported that Dar’s resignation came as the first major change in the selection setup, reflecting pressure on the team’s management to improve performance and accountability. While no formal statement has yet been issued by the PCB regarding his replacement, insiders expect broader discussions within the board about selection policies and future strategies.
Read More: Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka But Fall Short of Semifinals in T20 World Cup
Background of Dar’s Role and Experience
Aleem Dar, 56, is best known internationally for his umpiring achievements. He debuted in ODIs in 2000 and went on to become the first Pakistani on the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, officiating in hundreds of Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals. After retiring from elite umpiring in 2023, Dar was appointed to the PCB’s selection committee on October 11, 2024, bringing his vast on-field cricket experience to the panel.
In the current selection committee setup, Dar worked alongside former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, ex-test batter Asad Shafiq and a data analyst who offered statistical insights for squad formation. The panel’s responsibility was to identify top talent and assemble competitive teams for all formats.
World Cup Struggles and Selection Criticism
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign was marked by inconsistency, poor tactical choices and an overall failure to adapt to match conditions. Despite high expectations after a strong lead-up, including a pre-World Cup series win against Australia, Pakistan’s performance disappointed fans and pundits alike. Critics pointed to questionable squad balancing, tactical inflexibility and slow batting rates as key issues.
In many fan discussions on social media and cricket forums, Dar’s resignation was seen as symbolic of deeper frustrations with how the national team has been managed. Some cricket commentators even labelled the situation as reflective of an “ego-driven management” culture, where selection consistency and team direction need clearer leadership and accountability.
Read More: T20 World Cup Disaster: Rare Moment in Pakistan Cricket History as PCB Fines Squad
What This Means for Pakistan Cricket
Dar’s resignation leaves a gap in the selection committee at a critical juncture for Pakistan cricket. With upcoming bilateral series and global tournaments on the horizon, the PCB now faces the challenge of appointing a successor capable of guiding squad selection during a rebuilding phase.
Cricket analysts say that the move represents an opportunity for the board to reassess and possibly restructure selection operations to improve performance. As Pakistan looks to rebound from a disappointing T20 campaign, the emphasis will likely be on stronger synergy between coaches, selectors and players to deliver future success.
