Condolences pour in for late Pakistan spin legend Abdul Qadir

KARACHI: Condolences started pouring in shortly after Pakistan's spin legend and Test star, Abdul Qadir, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67.

The tragic news was confirmed by cricketer Kamran Akmal, whose brother is married to Qadir's daughter and who said the cause was his death was a cardiac arrest.

Umar Gul wrote: "Shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Abdul Qadir sahib death. May Allah ease his akhirat n grant him highest ranks in jannah.

"Keeping his family in my duas, may Allah grant them sabr to bear this loss," he added.

Shoaib Akhtar said: "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," he added.

Shoaib Malik wrote: "My heart goes out to the family of our legend Abdul Qadir saab.

Even the great Sachin Tendulkar hailed Qadir as one of the best spinners of his times and expressed his deepest condolences on his demise. 

"May Allah give him the highest level of Jannat and may people always remember him with love and the highest level of respect in this world," he added.

Saeed Ajmal said: "May Allah bless the departed soul of legendary leg spinner Abdul Qadir Sahib who has passed away due to heart attack.

"It's sad news for all of us. May Allah give patience to the rest of the family," he added.

Kamran Akmal said: "Our legend star our Elder Mr Abdul Qadir is no more with us quite shocking news for all of us.

"May Allah make his last journey easy & Give him best place in Jannah Ameen," he added.

Azhar Ali said: "One of the greatest cricketer Pakistan ever produced.

"Can’t believe Abdul Qadir Saab is no more," he added.

Wasim Akram wrote: "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," he added.

Wahab Riaz said: "A legend of the game, Abdul Qadir left us today."

Sarfaraz Ahmed wrote: "Absolutely shocking news to hear the sad passing Legend Abdul Qadir saab.

"May Allah SWT grant him the highest rank in jannah and his family the patience to bare the loss," he added.

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed "heartfelt grief on demise of cricket legend Abdul Qadir", the director-general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor shared.

He added that the COAS said: “Pakistan has lost a great sportsman and a human being. May Allah bless his soul and gives strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Aamen.”

Senator Faisal Javed Khan wrote: "Saddened to hear abt the death of Abdul Qadir Bhai - A great cricketer of Pak -Top leg spinner of his time, Googly specialist & above all a good human being.

"May ALLAH rest his soul in peace & give enough strength to his family & friends to cope with this huge loss," he added.

Ali Khan Tareen said: "Very sad to hear about the passing of legendary bowler Abdul Qadir. The man who made wrist spin cool again, he is one of the most influential figures in test cricket.

"Often described as an artist, he leaves this world a true legend," he added.

Geo.tv sports journalist, Faizan Lakhani, said: "Pakistan’s spin legend, former test cricketer, Abdul Qadir has passed away."

Cricket enthusiast and sports analyst Zainab Abbas said: "Tragic news about Abdul Qadir,one of the greatest leg spinners of all time.

"Did a few shows with him & he was always energetic and passionate about his views,may he RIP," she added.