Abdul Qadir

Pakistani leg-spin bowler who took 236 Test wickets and was instrumental in reviving the art of leg-spin bowling during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Born in Lahore on September 15, 1955, into a middle-class Punjabi family, the future leg-spin maestro developed his cricket skills on local grounds before making his first-class debut for Punjab in 1975. His unorthodox bowling action and natural flair for wrist-spin quickly caught attention, leading to his Test debut against England at The Oval in 1977. Qadir's international career flourished during the 1980s when he became Pakistan's premier spin bowler and one of the world's finest leg-spinners. His peak period coincided with Pakistan's golden era under Imran Khan's captaincy. He played a crucial role in Pakistan's historic series victories, including their first Test series win in England in 1987. His flamboyant celebrations, theatrical appeals, and confrontational style made him a compelling figure who brought entertainment value alongside his bowling prowess. The bowler's repertoire included the googly, flipper, and top-spinner, delivered with a distinctive high-arm action that deceived batsmen worldwide. Throughout his Test career spanning 1977 to 1990, Qadir claimed 236 wickets in 67 matches, establishing himself as one of Pakistan's leading wicket-takers. His best bowling figures of 9 for 56 against England at Lahore in 1987 remain among the finest performances by a Pakistani bowler. In One Day Internationals, he took 132 wickets in 104 matches, proving equally effective in limited-overs cricket. Qadir's significance extends far beyond his playing statistics. During an era dominated by pace bowling, he almost single-handedly kept the art of leg-spin alive and relevant. His influence on future generations proved profound, with Shane Warne openly crediting Qadir as his inspiration. The Pakistani's success paved the way for the leg-spin renaissance of the 1990s and beyond. After retirement, he served as a bowling coach and mentor, continuing to nurture young spinners and preserve the techniques that made him cricket's most charismatic spin wizard.

Classical leg-spinner with exceptional googly, flipper and variations, known for flight and guile

Considered the greatest leg-spinner of his era who inspired a generation of spinners including Shane Warne

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1983
• PIA Cricket Team domestic titles (multiple)
• Pakistan national team Test series victories including home series wins in 1980s
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year (overseas) nomination 1987
• Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) – civilian honour awarded by Government of Pakistan