Briefly: Aleem Dar to retire at end of 2024-25 domestic season

Karachi: Aleem Dar, the Pakistan umpire who has officiated in 448 international matches so far during his over 20-year career, on Friday decided to bid adieu to the profession at the end of the 2024-25 domestic season. Respected for his umpiring judgement and a clean career sheet, Dar has been a distinguished member of the ICC’s Elite and International Panels from 2003. It reflected in the 56-year-old Dar winning the David Shepherd Trophy for the ICC Umpire of the Year (2009-2011) thrice in his career.

Gurugram

Jasmine wins 13th Leg of Hero WPG Tour

Bengaluru’s Jasmine Shekar overcame some anxious moments at the end of the third and final round before winning her maiden pro title in the 13th Leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour here on Friday. The 19-year-old, who has had many runner-up finishes, was four shots clear with two holes to go at the Golden Greens Golf Club.

Vientiane

India lose 0-1 to Iran in AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

A fighting India went down by a solitary goal to four-time champions Iran in their second group match at the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers here on Friday. After keeping their formidable rivals at bay for most part of the match, the Indians finally conceded a goal in the 88th minute when Yousef Mazraeh managed to beat goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey in the Group G match.

Kanpur

Ashwin replaces Kumble as top wicket-taker in Asia

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday achieved an elite feat as he overtook Anil Kumble as the top wicket-taker in Tests in Asia. Ashwin achieved the milestone on the first day of the second Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur when he removed Najmul Hossain Shanto for 31 runs from 57 balls in the 29th over. In Asia, Ashwin bagged 420 wickets in Tests and holds the top place on the list. Anil Kumble is now second on the list with 419 wickets and Harbhajan Singh is placed third with 300.

Leon

Martina shatters senior NR in C&J, total lift

Indian weightlifter Maibam Martina Devi on Friday smashed the senior national record in clean and jerk as well as total lift in the women's +87kg weight category in a stunning performance here.

The 18-year-old from Manipur also bettered her own junior national record in snatch. She, however, could not finish on the podium in all the three sections.

Dubai

Lakshmi, Rathi in match officials panel for T20 WC

Match referee GS Lakshmi and umpire Vrinda Rathi were the Indian names in a 13-member all-female panel of match officials announced by the ICC on Friday for next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE.