Former Pakistan legspinner Abdul Qadir passes away aged 63
The man responsible for reviving the art of leg-spin, Pakistan's legendary spinner Abdul Qadir has passed away in Lahore from a cardiac arrest. Qadir was a regular member of the Pakistan team in the 1980s and mentored Shane Warne and Mushtaq Ahmed among others during his coaching career.
In the 1970s and '80s, when the art of leg-spin was on the wane, Abdul Qadir's temperament and fire took it a new level before Shane Warne took over to make it glamorous. At a time when spinners were of no use in England, Qadir, at the Oval in 1987 and the home series later that year, took 30 wickets in three Tests, including the best bowling in an innings by a Pakistani, 9 for 56 in Lahore, to ensure he was relevant and ended up as one of Pakistan's all-time greats.
In his illustrious career, Qadir represented Pakistan in 67 Tests and 104 ODIs between 1977 and 1993 and his wide array of variations flummoxed many batsmen during that era.
"PCB is shocked at the news of 'maestro' Abdul Qadir's passing and has offered its deepest condolences to his family and friends," the PCB tweeted to mourn the loss.
After retiring from the game, the leg-spinner worked with Pakistan cricket in several capacities and ran a private academy just outside Gaddafi Stadium. He had served as chief selector of the Pakistan team and also as a commentator for many channels.