Pakistan’s spin bowling legend Abdul Qadir has become the country’s latest inductee into the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame, becoming the seventh Pakistani to join the prestigious list of cricketers from all over the world.
The ICC announced Qadir’s induction into the hall of fame on Tuesday. He was joined by West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Englishwoman Charlotte Edwards.
The legend leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, who passed away in 2019 from cardiac failure, played in 67 Tests for Pakistan, taking 236 wickets. In 104 one-day internationals, he also took 132 wickets (ODI).
“Qadir’s impact on the game in Pakistan and around the world is still felt strongly.” “Often referred to as the saviour of leg-spin bowling during the 1970s and 1980s, Qadir was renowned for outfoxing some of the game’s greatest batters with his dynamic action and majestic variation,” the ICC said in announcing his nomination.
ABDUL QADIR
His 236 wickets across his 13-year career place him third in the list of Pakistan’s all-time prolific spinners.
“In limited overs cricket, he was a pioneer in wrist-spin techniques that are still felt today, and he proved to be a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s World Cup campaigns in 1983 and 1987.”
“Following his retirement, he turned to coaching, mentoring fellow countrymen Mushtaq Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, and Shahid Afridi, as well as Shane Warne of Australia and Imran Tahir of South Africa,” the ICC added.
Usman, Qadir’s son, now plays for Pakistan. Usman expressed gratitude to the ICC on behalf of his family.
“I’d like to thank the ICC for nominating my father for induction into the Hall of Fame. It is a huge honour for the family to hear this news; we see it as a huge accomplishment that my father would be very proud of if he were still with us today,” he said.
Former teammate Zaheer Abbas described Qadir as one of the best right-arm leg spinners in the world and said he was fortunate not to play against him.
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