Former Pakistan cricketer Abdul Qadir passes away

Leg-spinner played ODI and Test cricket for Pakistan

Photo: Twitter

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.”

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.

Reactions

Deeply saddened to hear of Abdul Qadir's passing. My prayers & condolences go to the family. Abdul Qadir was a genius, one of the greatest leg spinners of all time. And he was also the life of the dressing room entertaining the team with his wit & humour.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 7, 2019

Hard to believe that Abdul Qadir bhai is no more.A great leg spinner and a wonderful human.Always full of energy and life.Will never forget that smile on his face.Its a very sad day for us and for his family.May Allah grant him highest place in Jannah.
— Misbah Ul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) September 6, 2019

Remember playing against Abdul Qadir, one of the best spinners of his times. My heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP. pic.twitter.com/iu03d45sJ0
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 7, 2019

Tragic news about Abdul Qadir,one of the greatest leg spinners of all time,did a few shows with him & he was always energetic and passionate about his views,may he RIP!
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) September 6, 2019

Our legend star our Elder Mr Abdul Qadir is no more with us quite shocking news for all of us.May Allah make his last journey easy & Give him best place in Jannah Ameen
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) September 6, 2019

We all belong to Allah SWT and to Him we all shall return. Deeply saddened to hear about Sir Abdul Qadir's death. May Allah meet his soul with a smile & keep him in His shade of love & mercy, Ameen.
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 6, 2019

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

Absolutely shocking news to hear the sad passing Legend Abdul Qadir saab. May Allah SWT grant him the highest rank in jannah and his family the patience to bare the loss. #Ameen
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) September 6, 2019

Sad to find out about our legends Abdul Qadir and Abid Ali passing away
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

May Allah give courage to their families during this tough time InshAllah. Pls recite Fatiha for the two legends who elevated the name of Pakistan across the world
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 6, 2019

Deeply saddened to hear the shocking news of sir Abdul Qadir sahab's passing away, may Allah grant him highest rank in jannat and the family be blessed with sabar. Ameen
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) September 6, 2019

Shocked to hear of Abdul Qadir passing away. Great bowler. In many ways revived leg spin bowling. Got to know him quite well during the 1982-83 series and after. Great conversationalist. Hugely knowledgable about the game and candid in his views. RIP
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) September 6, 2019

They called him the magician for many reasons but when he looked me in the eyes & told me I was going to play for Pakistan for the next 20 years, I believed him.A Magician, absolutely. A leg spinner & a trailblazer of his time. You will be missed Abdul Qadir but never forgotten
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 6, 2019

Just hearing the sad news that former Pakistani leggie Abdul Qadir is no more. During the 1980s he popularised then the dying art of leg spin bowling.#RIP
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 6, 2019

A legend of the game, Abdul Qadir left us today. Inna lilahi wa inna ilahi raajioon. #RIP
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) September 6, 2019

COAS expresses heartfelt grief on demise of cricket legend Abdul Qadir.
“Pakistan has lost a great sportsman and a human being. May Allah bless his soul and gives strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Aamen”, COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) September 6, 2019

Extremely saddened by the demise of Abdul Qadir the spin bowling stalwart from Pakistan. My heart goes out to his family and friends. #RIP
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) September 6, 2019

Shane Warne "it's very sad news about Abdul Qadir. I had the opportunity to meet him in 1994 during my first tour of Pakistan and a lot of people who bowled leg-spin like I did, we looked up to him. He was a terrific bowler who bamboozled a lot of batsmen" #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 6, 2019

Sad news mate! Loved watching him bowl https://t.co/UoiX2yWFys
— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) September 6, 2019

Sad to hear about the demise of Abdul Qadir. Was always mesmerised by his unique style of bowling and he was one of the best leg-spinners to play the game. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 6, 2019

Extremely saddened to hear the passing of my guru and mentor Abdul Qadir sir.He was someone who was always there for me to guide me not only in cricket but everything in life.He was a father figure for many and will be missed for his kind behaviour.May Allah grant him jannah 💔
— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) September 6, 2019

Abdul Qadir is no more..RIP bouncy little Fella with a very big heart..Yur contribution to Spin will be long remembered in Cricket World..more so in Pakistan whom U served with panache & devotion..Allah REHM Kareh..Heartfelt condolences to the Family Of Late Abdul Qadir.
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) September 6, 2019

His hand quicker than the eye, Abdul Qadir rolled over many a giants with a magnificent sleight of hand! Thank you for letting me watch it from short leg. The best legspinner of his era, he pioneered the art of leg spin in one day cricket. Bao ji, you will be forever missed.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 6, 2019

Shocked to hear Abdul Qadir passed away.met him two years back he was full of energy as always..A champion bowler,Great human being,you will be missed forever..condolences to the family..🙏🙏 #RIPabdulqadir pic.twitter.com/HmKVoIwCBU
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 6, 2019