MUMBAI: Aleem Dar, one of the umpires, who officiated in the recently concluded Test match between England and Sri Lanka, which finished within four days (England won by 9 wickets) fell ill during the final day on Monday. This was confirmed by his wife, Noshaba Banu. Rod Tucker, who was a TV umpire, took over and officiated in the remaining last session of the match.
Speaking exclusively over her mobile from Lahore, Mrs. Aleem Dar says, “he had some throat infection and had taken antibiotics but he started pain in the stomach and was vomiting”.
Interestingly, it was rare to see two umpires-one from India (S. Ravi) and the other Aleem Dar (Pakistan)- officiating together in the international match.
“Regardless of two different nations and regardless of the situation between the two neighboring nations, he (Aleem) enjoyed these matches (in the first Test at Leeds, S. Ravi was a TV man). There was a great co-ordination and good understandings between them. If such a nice atmosphere can be created on the field of play, why not at the political level also”, she added.
“These are the nations once lived as one country and there are lot of things common between the two countries”.
“I would like to see both umpires officiate together in the ICC organised World Cup final”, Noshaba Banu added.
When pointed out this can only happen if, India and Pakistan do not figure in the final, Mrs. Dar laughed off.
“Either it is a final or any other match, they are representing their nations and their co-ordination should be a role model for all match officials. There has been a bunch of respect and understanding between them”.
Aleem Dar and S. Ravi are part of the Test match where England captain became youngest to surpass 10,000 runs (beating Sachin Tendulkar’s record).
“If any player is reaching a milestone it is credible and being my husband a part of the match gives us great satisfaction”, Noshaba Banu signed off.
