Late Abdul Qadir inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame

Legendary late leg-spinner Abdul Qadir has been induced into the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hall of fame at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

The leg-spinner, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 63, took 236 Test and 132 ODI wickets with a bouncy run-up flicking the ball from hand to hand.

Pakistan team’s head coach Saqlain Mushtaq formally inducted into the eight-man elite group by presenting the commemorative cap and plaque to his youngest son Usman Qadir, who is part of Pakistan’s white-ball squad for the ongoing Series.

Qadir’s best Test performance was, in fact, at the Gaddafi Stadium when he took nine for 56 against England in 1987.

“I am sure dad watching from up there will be absolutely delighted and pleased with the way his institution has recognised him today in front of his own fans and at his favourite cricket ground,” Usman said. “Cricket was everything for him and on behalf of my family, I thank the PCB for acknowledging his services to Pakistan and the global game.”

“It is an honour and pride for me to formally induct Abdul Qadir into the PCB Hall of Fame on behalf of the PCB,” Saqlain said. “Abdul Qadir is a hero and a star for all generations for his outstanding and marvelous contributions to this great game.”

Qadir passed away on 6 September 2019. Wisden Cricketers Alamack, in its tribute, wrote: “The legendary Pakistani leg-spinner Abdul Qadir was one of the finest exponents of his art, with his skills and magical tricks inspiring generations to come.”