ISLAMABAD, Jun 30: Pakistan’s Aleem Dar, rated as the world’s best umpire in international cricket, has been honoured for becoming only the seventh umpire in history of the game to officiate in 150 ODIs when he took the field for the five-ODI series opener between England and Australia at Lord's on Friday.

To mark the achievement, former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match referees presented a memento to Aleem at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The 44-year-old umpire, who won the David Shepherd Trophy for the third successive year by winning the ICC Umpire of the Year award at the LG ICC Awards in London in 2011, made his umpiring debut in Feb 2000 when he umpired in an ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Gujranwala.

Reflecting on his achievement, Aleem said: “I am honoured and humbled to join the exclusive 150-ODI club which includes some of the most respected gentlemen in this noble profession.” —APP