The International Cricket Council (ICC) has added two new umpires to its Elite Panel for the 2023-24 season. Adrian Holdstock of South Africa and Ahsan Raza of Pakistan are the new additions to the panel, which now has 12 umpires. The selection of the new umpires was overseen by the ICC Elite Umpire selection panel, led by ICC General Manager – Cricket, Wasim Khan.

Holdstock has officiated in five Tests, 42 ODIs, and 48 T20Is, while Raza has stood in seven Tests, 41 ODIs, and 48 T20Is. The inclusion of the two new umpires is expected to strengthen the panel and enhance the quality of umpiring in international cricket.

However, the panel will miss the services of Aleem Dar, one of the most distinguished umpires in international cricket, who has stepped down from the panel. Dar had a long and celebrated career as an international umpire, having officiated in 435 men’s international matches.

Dar made his international debut in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning acclaim from players and fans alike for his sound decisions in matches. He was appointed to the ICC International Panel of Umpires in 2002 and officiated at the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

Dar’s rise continued when he became a member of the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in 2004, becoming the first Pakistani to be appointed to the panel. He stood in several major international matches, including the 2006 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy final, the 2007 and 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup finals, and the 2010 and 2012 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup finals.

Dar’s contribution to international cricket and to the ICC has been truly remarkable, according to ICC CEO Geoff Allardice. He added that Dar’s consistently elite performances over such a long period earned him enormous respect across all involved in international cricket.

Dar, reflecting on his time as an international umpire, said that he had enjoyed every bit of his long journey. Although he was keen to continue as an international umpire, he felt it was the right time, after 19 years on the road, to step away from the Elite panel and provide an opportunity to someone from the International Panel.

Dar’s message to umpires around the world was to work hard, maintain discipline, and never stop learning. With the addition of two new umpires and Dar’s retirement from the Elite Panel, the ICC will be looking to maintain the highest standards of umpiring in international cricket.