'Umpires are human and can make mistakes'

Dismissing suggestions that umpiring in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand was biased, ICC elite panel umpire Aleem Dar said mistakes are bound to happen from match officials as they too are human beings.

The Pakistan umpire also came in support of his colleague Simon Taufel, who was openly criticised by a senior member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and accused the Australian of favouring New Zealand in the vital match.

"Umpires are human beings and can make mistakes. I don't think Simon Taufel gave a wrong decision on purpose. Anyone can make mistakes, even I have made errors on the field," Dar told reporters at a function organised by the PCB to felicitate him for winning the ICC Umpire of the Year award.

Dar was presented with a cash award of half million rupees and a special souvenir by PCB chairman Ejaz Butt at the function held at the National Cricket Academy.

Dar also said he is in favour of utilising modern technology in cricket.

"In cricket the umpires will always be central figures but where modern technology is available for their assistance it should be used," he said.

Dar said he is proud to win the award for Pakistan and dedicated it to his father who had backed him a lot in his career.