Abdul Qadir

Name: Abdul Qadir Khan (commonly known as Abdul Qadir)

Introduction: Abdul Qadir was a Pakistani international cricketer, widely regarded as one of the greatest leg-spin bowlers in the history of the sport. Known for his unique and flamboyant bowling action, his mastery of various leg-spin deliveries including the googly and flipper, and his captivating presence on the field, he revitalized the art of leg-spin bowling in the 1970s and 1980s.

Date of birth: September 15, 1955

Died: September 6, 2019 (aged 63), in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, due to a cardiac arrest.

Height: Information not consistently available.

Place of birth: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Family:

Parents’ names: Not widely publicized.
Siblings: Ali Bahadur (brother), who was also a leg-spinner and played first-class cricket.
Spouse: Not widely publicized, but he was survived by his wife.
Children:
- Sulaman Qadir (son)
- Imran Qadir (son)
- Usman Qadir (son) – also a leg-spin bowler who has played for Pakistan.
- Rehman Qadir (son)
- Noor Amna (daughter) – married to Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal.
Relatives: His brother Ali Bahadur, and his sons Sulaman, Imran, Usman, Rehman, and daughter Noor Amna. His son-in-law is cricketer Umar Akmal.

Profession: Professional cricketer (retired), commentator, Chief Selector for the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Nationality: Pakistani

Religion: Given his name and cultural background, he was Muslim.

College or university attended: Government College University, Lahore.

Biography and What Famous For:

Abdul Qadir began his first-class cricket career for Lahore, Punjab, and Habib Bank Limited teams in 1975. He quickly established himself as a prominent leg-spin bowler, a craft that was often overshadowed by fast bowlers during his era.

He made his Test debut for Pakistan in 1977 against England. From 1977 to 1993, he played 67 Tests and 104 One Day International (ODI) matches.

Abdul Qadir is most famous for:

Revitalizing Leg-Spin Bowling: He is credited with single-handedly keeping the art of wrist-spin alive during a period dominated by fast bowling. His unique action and array of deliveries inspired a generation of leg-spinners, including later greats like Shane Warne, who acknowledged Qadir’s influence.
His Mastery of Leg-Spin Deliveries: He was a master of various leg-spin variations, including the traditional leg-break, the well-concealed googly, the flipper, and the top-spinner. His ability to deceive batsmen with drift, dip, and turn made him a formidable opponent.
Test Bowling Record (9/56): His career-best Test bowling figures of 9 wickets for 56 runs against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 1987 remains the best innings figures for a Pakistan bowler in Test cricket and one of the best of all time.
Charismatic and Theatrical Presence: He was a captivating personality on the field, known for his unique, rhythmic cantering run-up, theatrical appeals, and engaging interactions, making cricket an entertaining spectacle whenever he bowled.
Key Player under Imran Khan’s Captaincy: He was a vital part of Imran Khan’s Pakistan team in the 1980s, often tasked with breaking partnerships and stifling scoring rates.
ICC Hall of Fame Inductee: In November 2022, he was posthumously inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, recognizing his immense contribution to the sport.

After retiring from playing, Qadir remained involved in cricket as a commentator and also served as the Chief Selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board from which he resigned in 2009 due to differences of opinion. He was a vocal critic of cricket administration and always championed the cause of nurturing genuine leg-spinners. His death in 2019 was mourned by the cricketing fraternity worldwide.

Have participated:

International Cricket (Pakistan):

Test Matches: 67 (1977–1990), taking 236 wickets.
One Day Internationals (ODIs): 104 (1983–1993), taking 132 wickets.
Captain of Pakistan in 5 ODIs.
Member of Pakistan’s squads for the 1983 and 1987 Cricket World Cups.

First-class Cricket:

Played for Lahore, Punjab, and Habib Bank Limited cricket teams (1975–1995).
Took 960 wickets in 209 first-class matches, including 75 five-wicket hauls and 21 ten-wicket hauls in a match.

Post-Playing Career: