Spectators’ delight & a batsman’s nightmare, cricket world mourns for Abdul Qadir

Abdul Qadir, former Pakistan leg-spinner passed away following a cardiac arrest in Lahore on Friday, 6 September.He was widely regarded as the man who brought wrist-spin out of the dead in the 1970s and ‘80s.

Former test cricketer Abdul Qadir passes away in Lahore

In his 13-years’ international career, legendary Abdul Qadir played 67 Tests and 104 ODIs. With his 236 Test wickets, he is placed second among Pakistan’s all-time leading spinners, behind Danish Kaneria. In ODIs, he bagged 132 wickets at 26.16, including two five-wicket hauls.

Qadir’s contributions to cricket spread well beyond the field. He has been a willing advisor to youngsters, who mentored fellow countrymen as well as Australia’s Shane Warne and South Africa’s Imran Tahir.

Offering their condolences, cricket world mourns over the loss of one of the world’s finest leg-spinner.

“We are devastated with the news of Abdul Qadir’s passing, and on behalf of the PCB, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Ehsan Mani, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said.

“The PCB, like every Pakistani, is proud of his services to cricket and Pakistan. His contributions and achievements were not only limited on-field, but he ensured he transferred the art of leg-spin to the up-and-coming cricketers.

“Apart from being a maestro with the ball, Abdul Qadir was a larger-than-life figure who was adored, loved and respected across the globe due to his excellent understanding and knowledge of the game, and strong cricket ethics and discipline. Today, global cricket has become poorer with his passing. He will be missed, but will never be forgotten.”

Tributes for Abdul Qadir are also being shared on social media.