The upcoming Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024-25 is set to feature top-level cricket action, but behind every great match, there are officials ensuring the game is played fairly and in line with the rules. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed its prestigious panel of umpires and referees for the Champions One-Day Cup, beginning on 12th September 2024. With a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars, cricket fans can expect a well-organized and competitive tournament, where fairness is upheld at every step.

Also Read : Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors Match Highlights Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024/25

The umpires and referees selected for the tournament are seasoned professionals who have officiated in global cricketing events. These officials are responsible for maintaining order, ensuring fair play, and making crucial decisions that directly affect the outcome of the game. Here’s a closer look at some of the prominent names in the Champions Cup Umpires & Referees panel:

Aleem Dar

A legendary figure in international cricket, Aleem Dar is one of the most respected umpires in the world. Known for his impeccable judgment and experience at the highest levels of cricket, Dar officiated several matches in the Champions Cup, bringing a wealth of expertise to the tournament.

Asif Yaqoob

A prominent name in the ICC’s international umpire panel, Asif Yaqoob will team up with Aleem Dar to officiate the opening match between the Wolves and the Panthers. His vast experience and commitment to fairness make him a key figure in the upcoming tournament.

Waleed Yaqub and Zulfiqar Jan

These two umpires will serve as third and fourth umpires in several games, assisting the on-field umpires with decision-making and ensuring that everything runs smoothly during the matches.

Ali Naqvi

A former Test cricketer, Ali Naqvi will lead the Playing Control Team. His in-depth knowledge of the game, combined with his experience, will play a crucial role in ensuring that the tournament proceeds without a hitch.

Beyond the well-known names, the Champions Cup boasts a roster of talented umpires and referees who will ensure the tournament is played to the highest standards:

• Faisal Aafreedi
• Imtiaz Iqbal
• Imran Jawed
• Nasir Hussain
• Rashid Riaz

Additionally, the match refereeing duties will be managed by experienced officials such as:

• Kamran Chaudhry
• Bilal Khilji
• Iftikhar Ahmed
• Iqbal Sheikh
• Nadeem Arshad

The appointments for key matches in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024-25 are as follows:

• 12th September – Markhors v Panthers
  On-field Umpires: Aleem Dar and Asif Yaqoob
  Third Umpire: Waleed Yaqub
  Fourth Umpire: Zulfiqar Jan
  Match Referee: Ali Naqvi
  
• 13th September – Stallions v Lions
  On-field Umpires: Aleem Dar and Waleed Yaqub
  Third Umpire: Asif Yaqoob
  Fourth Umpire: Zulfiqar Jan
  Match Referee: Ali Naqvi
  
• 14th September – Dolphins v Panthers
  On-field Umpires: Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan
  Third Umpire: Aleem Dar
  Fourth Umpire: Waleed Yaqub
  Match Referee: Bilal Khilji
  
• 15th September – Markhors v Stallions
  On-field Umpires: Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz
  Third Umpire: Waleed Yaqub
  Fourth Umpire: Zulfiqar Jan
  Match Referee: Bilal Khilji
  
• 16th September – Lions v Panthers
  On-field Umpires: Waleed Yaqub and Zulfiqar Jan
  Third Umpire: Rashid Riaz
  Fourth Umpire: Imran Jawed
  Match Referee: Iqbal Sheikh
  
• 17th September – Dolphins v Markhors
  On-field Umpires: Nasir Hussain and Rashid Riaz
  Third Umpire: Imran Jawed
  Fourth Umpire: Waleed Yaqub
  Match Referee: Iqbal Sheikh
  
• 19th September – Stallions v Dolphins
  On-field Umpires: Imran Jawed and Imtiaz Iqbal
  Third Umpire: Nasir Hussain
  Fourth Umpire: Waleed Yaqub
  Match Referee: Iftikhar Ahmed
  
• 20th September – Lions v Markhors
  On-field Umpires: Imran Jawed and Nasir Hussain
  Third Umpire: Rashid Riaz
  Fourth Umpire: Imtiaz Iqbal
  Match Referee: Iftikhar Ahmed
  
• 21st September – Panthers v Stallions
  On-field Umpires: Imran Jawed and Nasir Hussain
  Third Umpire: Faisal Aafreedi
  Fourth Umpire: Imtiaz Iqbal
  Match Referee: Nadeem Arshad
  
• 22nd September – Dolphins v Lions
  On-field Umpires: Faisal Aafreedi and Imtiaz Iqbal
  Third Umpire: Nasir Hussain
  Fourth Umpire: Imran Jawed
  Match Referee: Kamran Chaudhry

Umpires and referees are not just rule enforcers—they are the backbone of any cricket match. Their role goes far beyond simply making calls; they are responsible for ensuring that the game is played in a fair, safe, and orderly manner. They keep the match flowing, manage tensions between players, and make tough decisions that can sometimes change the course of the game. In high-profile tournaments like the Champions Cup, the integrity and professionalism of the officials are paramount.

By having a panel that includes Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, and other highly respected figures, the PCB is ensuring that the Champions Cup will be officiated to the highest standard. These umpires and referees bring years of experience, and their commitment to fairness will help make the tournament a success.

The Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024-25 promises to be a thrilling contest of skill and strategy. With a dedicated panel of umpires and referees at the helm, cricket fans can rest assured that every match will be played fairly and in accordance with the highest standards of officiating. The selection of experienced professionals like Aleem Dar and Asif Yaqoob sets the stage for a well-organized and competitive tournament that will be remembered for its high-quality cricket and impartial decision-making.