Legendary Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir passes away

Qadir played a key role in the rebirth of leg-spin and was a vital component of the Pakistan sides of the 1980s

Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir has passed away, aged 63.

Qadir played a key role in the rebirth of leg-spin and was a vital component of the Pakistan sides of the 1980s.

His nine for 56 against England at Lahore in November 1987 remain the best Test figures by a Pakistani bowler.

He took 13 wickets in the match as Pakistan won by an innings and 87 runs.

Wasim Akram, who made his Test debut when Qadir was part of the same side, described the wrist-spinner as a “magician” in a tribute he posted on Twitter.

He wrote: “They called him the magician for many reasons but when he looked me in the eyes and 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.”

Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan added in his own tribute: “For us leg-spinners he was an icon, all those variations and tricks. The original master of the googly.”

Qadir, who played 67 Tests during an illustrious career, took 236 wickets, as well as a further 132 in ODI cricket.