Following threat by Shiv Sena, ICC withdraws Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar from India-South Africa series

Dar was to umpire the 4th and 5th ODI on 22nd and 25th October in India respectively

Mumbai October 20: Shiv Sena has its way once again, thanks to the party’s violent and aggressive ways. Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar has been withdrawn from the 4th ODI match which was to be held in Chennai on the 22 of October and in Mumbai on the 25th of October. The withdrawal came from the International Cricket Council, following the Sena’s attack on the BCCI’s office in Mumbai. The attack was made on Monday morning, so that the talks to resume the cricketing ties between the two countries could not see the light of the day. Also Read: Shiv Sena threatens to stop Aleem Dar from officiating in India vs South Africa 5th ODI in Mumbai

The Shiv Sena on Monday gheraoed Board of Cricket Control of India chief Shashank Manohar forcing cancellation of talks with Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shaharyar Khan. Manohar and Khan were to discuss the resumption of the Indo-Pak cricket ties and unofficial talks might be held in Delhi tomorrow. “Under the present circumstances, it will be unreasonable to expect from Aleem that he will be able to perform his duties to the best of his abilities. As such, he has been withdraw and his replacement will be announced in due course,” an ICC spokesman told PTI.

Meanwhile BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur had said that Dar’s presence will not be affected by any threat from any group. “There was a possibility of a protest in Saurashtra as well. 50,000 people were supposed to turn up in Rajkot. So I am not going into any threat perception. The fact is that India will also host the T20 World Cup in 2016 and it is the responsibility of every Indian to keep our image of sportmanship alive,” Thakur said.

(With agency inputs)