Umpire Aleem Dar surprised everyone in ICC Champions Trophy when the generally clean shaved umpire was seen with trimmed moustache and long beard.
Aleem Dar said that his inspiration for growing beard was the legend South African batsman Hashim Amla who also have kept his beard unshaven and is known to be a practicing Muslim.
Aleem Dar is a Pakistani umpire who is known because of his great experience and was awarded many awards including the consecutive ICC umpire of the year for 2009, 2010, and 2011.
He started his career as an umpire in 2000 when he performed his debut in a match between Pakistan & Sri Lanka. In 2002 he become part of the ICC international Panel of Umpires & in 2004 he become the first Pakistani Umpire to be part of ICC Elite Panel of Umpire.
He also holds the record of being the 10th umpire who umpired in 100 ODI matches which was achieved in 2007, now he is nearing the target of 200 ODI’s and also umpired for more than 100 test matches.