Pakistan’s disappointing campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has claimed its first major off-field casualty, with former elite-panel umpire Aleem Dar reportedly stepping down from the national selection committee on Tuesday.

Dar, who joined the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a selector in 2024, is understood to have resigned over growing frustration with the committee’s internal functioning. According to reports in Pakistani media, he felt the panel’s autonomy had been compromised and that his views were repeatedly overlooked.

His departure follows a turbulent World Cup campaign in which Pakistan failed to advance beyond the Super Eight stage, including high-profile defeats to India and England. While the PCB has already fined players for their underwhelming performances, Dar’s resignation suggests that the problems run deeper than results on the field.

Reports indicate that Dar’s primary objection concerned the composition of Pakistan’s World Cup squad. He is believed to have opposed the inclusion of senior players Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, arguing that their recent performances did not justify selection.

Dar had reportedly advocated a stricter merit-based approach. He is said to have proposed a defined middle-order role at number six for experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, rather than retaining players he felt were out of form. However, his recommendations were allegedly overruled, with Babar and Shadab both included in the final squad — and later facing criticism for below-par returns in the tournament.

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Another major source of concern for Dar was what he reportedly viewed as excessive influence from head coach Mike Hesson in the selection process. According to reports, Dar felt sidelined as Hesson played a decisive role in shaping the squad, often with the backing of fellow selector Aaqib Javed.

One report quoted sources as saying Dar was “very upset” that he had resisted certain selections on performance grounds, only for the coach to insist on their inclusion.

Dar was also said to be disappointed that neither Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha nor other members of the committee challenged the decision-making hierarchy. Feeling increasingly isolated and marginalised within the panel, the 57-year-old reportedly concluded that continuing in the role was untenable.

With Dar’s exit, the selection committee is now reduced to Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq and data analyst Usman Hashmi. The PCB now faces renewed pressure to review its selection structure and restore confidence ahead of the next international cycle.

Dar’s resignation underscores the internal divisions that continue to trouble Pakistan cricket, highlighting administrative tensions that extend well beyond their World Cup exit.