Former Pakistan spin great Abdul Qadir dies of cardiac arrest
Karachi/New Delhi, Sep 6: Pakistan's master leg-spinner Abdul Qadir died in Lahore on Friday after suffering from a massive cardiac arrest, his family confirmed.
Qadir was 63 years old and is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter who is married to current Pakistan star batsman Umar Akmal.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman, Kamran Akmal, Umar's elder brother, confirmed the tragic news about Qadir's death.
It is learnt that the veteran suffered a cardiac arrest when he was at home and was declared dead on arrival after being rushed to a hospital.
Qadir, who played in 67 Tests and 104 ODIs had a total 368 wickets in his international career, would have celebrated his 64th birthday on 15th September.
"It is a great loss to Pakistan cricket because it was Qadir bhai's leg-spin magic and artistry that inspired a generation of young leg-spin bowlers in Pakistan and around the cricket world," former Pakistan leg-break bowler Danish Kaneria said.
In fact another spin great Mushtaq Ahmed only came into prominence imitating Qadir's action.
For Indian fans, Qadir will forever be etched in memories for his unique angular bowling action. It started in a get-set-go mode where he would licking his lips and using the saliva and the heavy hip pivot was unique in its style.
For all those growing up in the 80's, every mohalla cricket, whether the bylanes of Karachi or colonies in Delhi had their own "Abdul Qadir prototype".
But the fondest memories would certainly be related to 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar attacking him with great gusto during an exhibition match. Qadir, who was at the twilight of his career, repeatedly tossed it up and Tendulkar would just dance down the track to hit him for four sixes.
There were many stories how Qadir mildly sledged Tendulkar and enticed him to go after him. However may times after that, he had acknowledged that it was that moment in the game, which he made him believe that he has seen something special.
Qadir was a favourite of the Indian media and had been associated with many channels as an expert in earlier years. A raconteur par excellence, Qadir would narrate stories of the famous Indo-Pak cricket matches of 80's when both countries frequently toured.
Qadir, who remained a critic of the Pakistan Cricket Board's policies till the end, worked as chief selector in 2009 and it was the squad that was selected by him that went on to win the ICC World T20 in England.
Qadir had resigned midway through the tournament as chief selector after having differences with the erstwhile PCB chairman Ejaz Butt over the non-selection of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
Always a colourful character, Qadir was a favourite of Pakistan's World Cup winning captain turned prime minister, Imran Khan and he produced some of his best performances under Imran's captaincy taking 9 for 56 in one test against West Indies at Faisalabad.
All four of his sons, Rehman, Imran, Sulaman and Usman have played first class cricket in Pakistan while his youngest Usman (also a leg-spinner like his father) also appeared in the Big Bash T20 league last season and has shown his intention to qualify to play for Australia after being overlooked time and again by Pakistani selectors.
Cricket pundits and writers believe that Qadir's biggest achievement was to keep the art of wrist spin alive during the eras of 70s and 80s when fast bowlers dominated world cricket.
Lahore: People carry the body of former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Qadir in Lahore
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Anna University girl student 'sexually assaulted', biryani seller held
Chennai, Dec 25: An Anna University girl student was allegedly sexually assaulted and a 37-year old man, who sells biryani on the pavement, has been arrested for the crime, police said on Wednesday.
The victim, a student of the varsity's College of Engineering, Guindy in her complaint said that while she was speaking to her male friend on December 23, 2024 at about 8 pm, behind a building on the college campus, they were intimidated by an unknown person, who sexually assaulted her.
She lodged the complaint with the Kotturpuram All Women's Police Station and a case was duly registered and a probe was on, a Greater Chennai city police statement said.
"During investigation, based on scientific evidence, Gnanasekaran of Kottur (a neighbourhood near the college) has been arrested for this crime. The suspect has given a confessional statement. He is doing business by running a biryani shop on the pavement."
Further, the police said they were probing whether he had been involved in other crimes. "On the university campus, CCTV cameras have been installed and security officials have been appointed."
Police said appropriate action will be taken to enhance security for the students following consultations with university officials and that a 'joint security review,' will be undertaken.
Anna University Registrar, J Prakash, said the varsity was extending full cooperation to the police in its investigation. The Internal Complaints Committee of the varsity has also commenced an inquiry.
"The university administration is extending full cooperation for the police investigation," he said.
Meanwhile, the SFI and AIDWA staged a protest in front of the state-run varsity campus seeking action. According to one of the protesters, the student was allegedly sexually assaulted "inside the campus by two outsiders."
The incident has also triggered strong political reactions.
AIADMK general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed shock and said it was "shameful". He strongly condemned the DMK government.
DMK spokesperson A Saravanan said the incident was very unfortunate and it should not have happened. The police have swiftly acted, an FIR has been registered and the culprit will be brought to justice, he expressed confidence.
