Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) has decided to include former swing bowler Fazal Mahmood and the stalwart spinner, Abdul Qadir, into the Hall of Fame. Both former Pakistani cricketers have deceased so this is a post-humous honor for both of them.
Known for his banana-like swing, Fazal played from 1952 to 1962 and claimed 139 wickets in 53 innings at an impressive average of 24.70. Meanwhile, spinner Abdul Qadir played from 1977 to 1990 claiming 236 wickets in 111 innings at an average of 32.80. Abdul also got hold of 132 wickets in 100 ODI innings at an average of 26.16. Abdul used a ton of variations and is known as one of the most creative bowlers to play the game.
Fazal's heroics in the early days introduced Pakistan cricket to the world as a force to be reckoned with and later inspired the next generations of fast bowlers. The wily, crafty and magical Abdul Qadir revived and reignited the slowly vanishing art of wrist-spin bowling. Fazal Mahmood and Abdul Qadir are all-time greats and truly outstanding ambassadors for Pakistan and global cricket.
Rameez Raja, Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board