Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir passed away in Lahore on Friday due to cardiac arrest.
"We were taking our father [Abdul Qadir] to the hospital but he died before we could reach there," said, son, Salman Qadir.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also offered their condolences, upon hearing the news.
"PCB is shocked at the news of 'maestro' Abdul Qadir's passing and has offered its deepest condolences to his family and friends," the board said in a statement on its official social media platforms.
PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “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.
“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.
“He played hard cricket within the spirit of cricket and in doing so, not only earned respect from his opponents but turned his foes into friends.
“Today, global cricket has become poorer with his passing. He will be missed but will never be forgotten.
“In these difficult times, the PCB stands together with Abdul Qadir’s family members and friends, and wish them the strength to cope with this sad loss.”
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PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “To say we are shocked at his passing will be an understatement. Stalwarts like Abdul Qadir are born in decades and today Pakistan cricket has lost one of its most beloved and admired sons.
“Abdul Qadir may have passed, but his contribution to global cricket – by giving popularity and impetus to the art of wrist spin bowling that inspired hundreds of youngsters across the planet – will live forever.
“Abdul Qadir was one of the all-time greatest. His friendly and warm presence will forever be missed.”
Qadir represented Pakistan in 67 Tests and 104 One-day Internationals (ODIs) matches from 1977 to 1993.
He claimed 236 wickets in the five-day format while 132 in the limited-overs matches.
He made his Test debut against England in Lahore in 1977. While his ODI debut came against New Zealand in 1983 in Birmingham.
Qadir kept the art of wrist-spin alive in 1970s and '80s with his quality bowling and temperament.
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