Pakistan spin legend Abdul Qadir breathes his last aged 63

Lahore: Pakistan’s legendary spinner Abdul Qadir passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Lahore on Friday (September 6). He was 63.

The official Twitter handle of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it was “shocked” at the news of legspinner Qadir’s passing away.

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“PCB is shocked at the news of 'maestro' Abdul Qadir's passing and has offered its deepest condolences to his family and friends,” PCB tweeted.

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

Qadir was born on September 15, 1955 in Lahore. He played 67 Tests and 104 ODIs for Pakistan. After retirement, he served cricket in several roles and was also a chief selector.

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

He played in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups. He made his Test debut against England in 1977. He took 236 Test and 132 ODI wickets.

Former India batsman VVS Laxman wrote on his Twitter account, "Sad to hear about the demise of Abdul Qadir. Was always mesmerised by his unique style of bowling and he was one of the best leg-spinners to play the game. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."

India offpinner Harbhajan Singh tweeted, "Shocked to hear Abdul Qadir passed away.met him two years back he was full of energy as always..A champion bowler,Great human being,you will be missed forever..condolences to the family..🙏🙏 #RIPabdulqadir."

Several former cricketers expressed shock at the demise of Qadir.

Sad to hear about the demise of Abdul Qadir. Was always mesmerised by his unique style of bowling and he was one of the best leg-spinners to play the game. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 6, 2019

Shocked to hear Abdul Qadir passed away.met him two years back he was full of energy as always..A champion bowler,Great human being,you will be missed forever..condolences to the family..🙏🙏 #RIPabdulqadir pic.twitter.com/HmKVoIwCBU

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 6, 2019

Extremely saddened by the demise of Abdul Qadir the spin bowling stalwart from Pakistan. My heart goes out to his family and friends. #RIP

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) September 6, 2019

Legendary leg spinner Abdul Qadir sb passed away. Just got this sad news. The revival of leg spin in cricket is completely credited to him. He inspired a generation of bowlers to take up leg spin.
Inna lillahi wa inna elaihi rajaoon.#AbdulQadir pic.twitter.com/mhBZy2yVk9

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) 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

Really Sad News , Legendary Leg spinner bowler Abdul Qadir sb passed away , He was always been so kind to me & Helpful , May Almighty Allah bless him Jannah Aameen 🤲🏼 , إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 6, 2019

Sad to hear the passing of Abdul Qadir .. another champ lost !!! RIP

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) September 6, 2019