Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 3: Kashmir-origin umpire Asif Iqbal, currently residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is part of the ICC umpires’ panel officiating in the ongoing tri-nation cricket series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE.
Iqbal, originally from Khanpora in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, was seen umpiring one of the matches between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Tuesday-a moment that brought joy and pride to his native town as well as the wider Kashmir Valley.
Back home, his friends and family recalled his remarkable journey, which, they said, began in 2007 when he started as a Level-1 umpire in Dubai.
With sheer perseverance, they said, he went on to complete his Level-2 training in Sri Lanka, eventually earning a place on the prestigious ICC Development Panel of Umpires.
Locals from Khanpora and across Baramulla expressed happiness over his achievement, calling it an inspiring milestone for Kashmiri youth passionate about cricket.
“Asif’s dedication has shown that hard work and consistency can take you to the international stage,” said one of his relatives, Malik Shabir.
Another family member said he could hardly describe his happiness.
“Iqbal has made us proud. He was always inclined towards cricket from childhood. His passion was unmatched. He went to Dubai with the goal of playing a role at the international level-and he has achieved that,” he said.
Speaking from the UAE, Iqbal said his love for cricket began in Khanpora, watching local double-wicket tournaments and classic India-Pakistan matches.
“I have the honor of representing the UAE on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires. My journey began in 2007 here, and I am deeply grateful to the Emirates Cricket Board for their unwavering support.”
Over the years, he said, he has attended numerous umpiring workshops, earned his Level-2 certification from Sri Lanka under the ACC, and traveled across the world for ICC and ACC assignments.
He also highlighted the privilege of officiating in the ILT20 UAE, the second-richest league in cricket after the IPL. “This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without my incredible mentors,” he added.
Iqbal credited several mentors, including Vijay from Dehradun, who first gave him an opportunity; Sunil from Punjab, who proposed his name; and Iftikhar Ali, whose mentorship, he said, has been transformative.
“I’ve also learned from legends like Aleem Dar, Simon Taufel, Ahsan Raza, and Anantha from India. Each experience motivates me to grow continuously as an umpire.”
He fondly remembered talented players from his locality, including Qayoom Gh. Nabi, Afaq Ahmad Shah, and Abdul Majeed Kumar, whose matches, he said, were a major source of inspiration during his childhood.
“Being part of the ICC Development Panel is a huge honor and responsibility. I am committed to representing the UAE with pride, upholding the highest standards of officiating, and inspiring the next generation of cricket umpires.”
Raja Begum, another relative, recalled his early days.
“We did not have a playfield, but he used to play in the narrow lanes. He has made us proud, and we watched the entire match with joy last night.”
Muhammad Rafique Bhat, a colleague of Iqbal, said people were only now beginning to recognize his efforts.
“People came to know him yesterday, but he has been at it for years. There is a lot of hard work behind this.”
He added that it was a moment of pride not only for J&K but also for the country. “Now the entire Kashmir knows him, and umpiring has brought him to the fore.”
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