Aleem Dar has reportedly resigned from Pakistan’s national selection committee, becoming the first high-profile casualty of the World Cup debacle. The former international umpire stepped down days after Pakistan failed to progress beyond the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. His resignation follows mounting criticism directed at players, team management and selectors after another major tournament ended without a semi-final appearance. Pakistan’s defeat to co-hosts and defending champions India during the campaign further intensified scrutiny. Dar, who officiated in a record 435 international matches, had joined the revamped panel in October 2024. He was appointed alongside Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali and Hasan Cheema as part of a structural overhaul by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Amid calls to remove captain Salman Ali Agha and drop senior batter Babar Azam from the T20I side, Dar’s reported exit marks the first administrative change since elimination. Read also: Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI Series in Doubt Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions Appointment Came After Historic Test Defeat Dar was formally inducted into the PCB’s restructured men’s selection committee on October 11, 2024. The move came within hours of Pakistan’s historic innings defeat against England in Multan, where they became the first team in Test history to lose by an innings after scoring more than 550 runs in their first innings. The PCB had cited the need for “vast international experience” while announcing his inclusion. His appointment followed the resignation of selector Mohammad Yousuf ten days earlier, leaving the panel short of voting members. Dar was fast-tracked into the administrative role even as he was completing his domestic umpiring commitments before retirement. His first assignment involved selecting squads for the second and third Tests against England. The restructured model granted greater authority to individual voting members, aiming to streamline accountability within the selection framework. World Cup Campaign Under Review Pakistan began their T20 World Cup campaign with narrow and routine wins over Netherlands and USA before suffering a 61-run defeat to India. A comprehensive victory against Namibia secured passage to the Super 8 stage. In the second phase, their opening fixture was washed out. A two-wicket loss to England followed, leaving qualification dependent on net run rate calculations. Pakistan required a significant margin of victory against Sri Lanka to overtake New Zealand but managed only a five-run win, resulting in elimination. Meanwhile, the PCB is reportedly considering a fine of PKR 5 million on each squad member for below-par performances in Sri Lanka. A source told PTI that the final decision is yet to be taken, but internal discussions reflect dissatisfaction with repeated failures in major events.