The funeral prayers of former test cricketer and chief selector Abdul Qadir were offered here at the ground adjacent to Darbar Hazrat Mian Mir on Saturday. Qadir suffered a severe heart attack and died on Friday. A number of sports personalities, politicians, media personnel and others attended the funeral prayers.
Leading cricketers and PCB officials including Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmad, Azher Ali, Baber Azam, Zakir Khan, Akmal brothers visited the residence of the late and offered condolence with the late sons Salman and Imran over demise of legendary cricketer. They also lauded the services of the late for the game of cricket. Former cricketers including Inzmamul Haq and Saqlain Mushtaq attended the funeral prayers. A large number of people hailing from different walks of life were also present. Later, the 63-year-old was buried in a local graveyard.
After retirement from international cricket, Qadir turned into an uncompromising critic of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He joined the PCB as chief selector in 2009 when Ijaz Butt was the Chairman. Qadir selected the Pakistan team for the T20 World Cup that year, but quit during the mega event after Pakistan made an inauspicious start, even though they went on to lift the trophy. Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet paid rich tribute to Abdul Qadir terming him a "genius" and one of the greatest leg spinners of all time.
The premier said he was deeply saddened to hear of the former leg-spin maestro's demise, and sent out his prayers and condolences to the deceased's family. "Abdul Qadir was a genius, one of the greatest leg spinners of all time," Prime Minister Imran wrote of his former teammate, adding that Qadir was the "life of the dressing room" who used to entertain the players with his wit and humour.
On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its shock and grief at the news of legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir's passing and has sent a message of condolence to his family.
PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: "We are devastated with the news of Abdul Qadir's passing and on behalf of the PCB, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and friends. The PCB, like every Pakistani, is proud of his services to cricket and Pakistan. His contributions and achievements were not only limited on-field, but he ensured he transferred the art of leg-spin to the up-and-coming cricketers."
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