Test umpire Saleem Badar retires

KARACHI:Former Pakistan Test and One-Day Internationals (ODIs) umpire Mohammad Saleem Babar Friday bid farewell to domestic circuit as he would turn 60 next month.

Veteran Saleem Babar, who made his first class debut in 1978 would be retiring after turning 60 in May as per PakistanCricket Board (PCB) regulations.

Saleem Badar was presented cheque of Rs. One million as per the policy of PBC on his retirement.

Director General PCBJaved Miandad presented the cheque.

"It was great honor to supervise in four Asia Cups, five Test matches and 29 ODIs," Saleem Babar told APP at National Stadium where he was serving as a Television Umpire in the final of President's Cup between Sui Northern and WAPDA.

"I always enjoyed my job as an umpire and served the game with the best of my abilities," he commented.

He said late Test umpire Shujauddin and Mahboob Shah motivated him and were inspirational force in my success.

Saleem Babar described his debut Test between Pakistan and Australia held Gaddafi Stadium Lahore as his most memorable match.

During his 35 years association as an umpire on domestic cricket, besides standing in five Test and 29 ODIs, he supervised 272 first games and also supervised in the Commonwealth Games cricket. (APP)