Heartbreak Behind the Stumps: Aleem Dar's Tragic Secret

Pakistan’s most capped umpire, Aleem Dar, has revealed the most heartbreaking moment of his life: the death of his seven-month-old daughter, a tragedy kept secret from him during the early stages of his international career in 2003.

In a recent interview with a Pakistani channel, the 56-year-old recounted how his family and wife chose not to inform him about the death of his daughter while he was umpiring in the 2003 World Cup. Dar explained, ‘It was the start of my career as an ICC panel umpire, and it was a very important assignment for my career. They knew if I came to know about my daughter’s demise, I would return home immediately.’

Dar eventually discovered his daughter's passing nearly a month later, by chance, when a Pakistani man from his hometown, Sialkot, offered his condolences in Johannesburg. Shocked and devastated, Dar immediately informed the ICC and returned home. He revealed that his father had strictly instructed media friends not to report the story, shielding him from the devastating news during his crucial career phase.

(With inputs from agencies.)