After the news of Abdul Qadir’s death was confirmed on Friday night, tributes have flowed from across the world for former Pakistan legendary spinner.
Qadir breathed his last at 63 in Lahore. His death has gravitated immediate reaction from the cricketing fraternity.
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“We are devastated with the news of Abdul Qadir’s passing away and on behalf of the PCB, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said PCB chief Ehsan Mani in a statement.
“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 also ensured that 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,” the statement added.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was a teammate of Abdul during his playing days, tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear of Abdul Qadir’s passing away. My prayers & condolences go to the family. Abdul Qadir was a genius, one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time. He was also the life of the dressing room entertaining the team with his wit & humour.
“Qadir’s bowling statistics do not do justice to his genius. Had he been playing cricket now with the modern DRS system, where batsmen can be given out on the front foot as well, Qadir would have gotten as many wickets as the great Shane Warne.”
Notably, Qadir was one of the most important weapons for Imran Khan when he was the captain of the team and some of Qadir’s most memorable spells came under Imran Khan’s captaincy.
Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram tweeted: “They called him the magician for many reasons but when he looked me in the eyes and told me I was going to play for Pakistan for the next 20 years, I believed him. A Magician, absolutely. A leg-spinner and a trailblazer of his time. You will be missed Abdul Qadir but never forgotten.”
“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,” tweeted veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh.
“Shocking news legendary leg spinner Abdul Qadir passing away. He was a dear friend will miss him. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul Rest in peace,” tweeted Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team and a contemporary of Qadir.
“Extremely saddened by the demise of Abdul Qadir the spin bowling stalwart from Pakistan. My heart goes out to his family and friends,” said Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
“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,” tweeted former India batsman VVS Laxman.
Cricket experts, critics, writers and commentators alike believe that Qadir’s biggest achievement was how he became successful as a wrist spinner in an era which was dominated by fast bowlers.
The leg spinner enjoyed an illustrious career with the Pakistan Cricket team. He went on to feature in 67 Test matches and 104 ODIs and amassed a total of 368 wickets in his international career. Qadir would have turned 64 on 15th September.
Qadir, who was quite vocal about the policies of the Pakistan Cricket board which he did not like, worked as a chief selector way back in 2009. It was the squad which was selected by him as the selector which went on to win the ICC World T20 in England.
“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. Inna lillahi wa inna elaihi rajaoon,” tweeted former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar.
“Deeply saddened to hear the shocking news of sir Abdul Qadir sahab passing away, may Allah grant him highest rank in jannat and the family be blessed with sabar,” tweeted Pakistan seamer Mohammad Amir.
“Inna lillahi wa inna illaihi rajiun. Shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Abdul Qadir sahib death. May Allah ease his akhirat n grant him highest ranks in jannah. Keeping his family in my duas, may Allah grant them sabr to bear this loss,” tweeted former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul.
Abdul is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter.
