Fans at this year’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes can look forward to seeing yet another world-class performer in action – umpire Aleem Dar.
The Pakistani official is a member of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) elite panel and was recently named Asian Umpire of the Year.
Aleem, 40, has agreed to officiate at the Sixes, to be held on November 8-9 at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
“The Hong Kong Cricket Sixes has a widespread reputation for being a unique and entertaining tournament and I’m delighted to be involved this year,†said Aleem.
“It promises to be an exciting weekend for spectators, players and umpires alike.
“Umpiring in six-a-side cricket brings its own challenges because the action is so fast and furious, so I’m looking forward to what should be a great experience.â€
A talented middle-order batsman and leg spinner, Aleem played first class cricket in Pakistan before concentrating on umpiring.
In 2000, he officiated in his first one day international at the age of 32 and within two years he had been appointed to the ICC panel. He officiated in the 2003 Cricket World Cup and made his test debut that same year.
He also officiated at last year’s Cricket World Cup and has continued to build a reputation as one of the game’s finest umpires.
“We’re delighted that Aleem – one of the world’s best umpires and a man hugely respected throughout the game – will be officiating in our event,†said Sixes tournament director Mark Burns.
“The Sixes delivers high quality standards in all areas and the officials are no exception. We are recruiting the best players and umpires so we can put on a tremendous show for the Hong Kong fans and the millions of people who will watch the event on TV around the world.â€
Among the players confirmed for this year’s Sixes are West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who will both appear for the All-Stars.
Chanderpaul, 33, was recently named Wisden Cricketer of the Year and is currently the second-highest ranked batsman in the world.
The Guyana-born ace has played 112 tests, scoring 19 hundreds and 49 fifties.
Fleming, 35, retired from international cricket just four months ago after a stellar 14-year career in which he played 111 tests.
He was captain for 80 of those matches – second on the all-time list behind Allan Border, who led Australia 93 times.
Fleming also holds the world record for the most one day international appearances as captain, having led New Zealand 218 times in his total of 280 games.
The All-Stars will join nine representative international teams – Australia, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh and hosts Hong Kong.
First held in 1992, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes continues to be fully sanctioned by the ICC and is the sport’s longest-running, best-established and most high-profile sixes tournament.
Players who have taken part over the past 16 years include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist and Wasim Akram.
Profits from the tournament are ploughed directly back into cricket development in Hong Kong through the Hong Kong Cricket Association.
ENDS
