Former Pakistan spinner Abdul Qadir died of a cardiac arrest in his hometown Lahore on Friday. The leg-spin wizard would have turned 64 on September 15.
The story
Confirming the news, Qadir’s son Salman informed AFP that his otherwise fit father could not survive a major attack. “My father never had a heart problem so it was sudden and shocking that he suffered a severe attack and could not survive,” Salman, son of Qadir told AFP. He said that Qadir suffered the heart attack when he was having dinner and on the way to the hospital he expired.
Qadir made his Test debut against England in 1977 and went on to play 67 Tests, taking 236 wickets. His best bowling figure came 9/65 came against England in 1987. He also took 132 wickets in 104 ODI and was often considered as a legendary bowler who revived the leg-spin.
Pakistan Cricket Board shared a condolence message on their Twitter account, “PCB is shocked at the news of ‘maestro’ Abdul Qadir’s passing and has offered its deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Who says what
Qadir who was known as the leg-spin wizard was a dear friend of former Pakistan captain Imran Khan. Khan said, “I am sad to hear about Qadir’s death,” Khan said in a message. “With his death I have lost a close friend and a team-mate and that’s hurtful. Qadir brightened Pakistan’s name in cricket the world over and we will always remember (him) as a great player.”
Shoaib Akhtar said, “Legendary leg spinner Abdul Qadir sb passed away. Just got this sad news. The revival of leg spin in cricket is completely credited to him. He inspired a generation of bowlers to take up leg spin.” Washim Akram who got the opportunity to play along with Qadir wrote, “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.”
Legendary leg spinner Shane Warne said that he was also a big fan Qadir. “I think a lot of people who bowled leg-spin, like I did, he was the guy who we looked up to in the eighties. He was the main leg-spinner in that era. He was a terrific bowler who bamboozled a lot of batsmen. His record is a terrific one.” Sachin Tendulkar also shared a heartwarming message on Twitter, “Remember playing against Abdul Qadir, one of the best spinners of his times. My heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP.”
