Former Pakistani bowling legend Abdul Qadir has passed away at the age of 63. Abdul Qadir died in Lahore after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Pakistani news site Dawn.com quoted his son as confirming the news of his legendary father’s death. Qadir was taken to Services Hospital after the heart attack but could not survive.
Abdul Qadir played 67 Test and 104 One-Day International matches for Pakistan. He took 236 wickets in Test matches and 132 in One Day Internationals.
Abdul Qadir is credited with making googly bowling popular across the world. He played under Imran Khan, currently Pakistani prime minister, in two World Cups in 1983 and 1987. Post-retirement, Qadir also became a commentator and chief selector of the Pakistani cricket board.
Condolences have begun pouring on the death of this legend. Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz wrote on Twitter, “A legend of the game, Abdul Qadir left us today. Inna lilahi wa inna ilahi raajioon.”
Pakistani cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed wrote, “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.”
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
Former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram 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.”
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
Here are some more reactions:
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
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
PCB is shocked at the news of ‘maestro’ Abdul Qadir’s passing and has offered its deepest condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/NTRT3cX2in
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 6, 2019
Shocked to hear that the maestro Abdul Qadir is no more. Such a personality. Had the opportunity of making friends with him when he was playing in Melbourne in the late 90s. Loved the stories he told. One of the greats.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 6, 2019
Really sorry to hear the sad news about the leg spin wizard and magician Abdul Qadir. Loved watching him bowl with his unplayable googlies, flippers and leg breaks. https://t.co/2htmjjvqWZ
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) September 6, 2019