Abdul Hafeez Kardar, a legendary cricketer from Pakistan, is regarded as the father figure of Pakistani cricket. Born on January 17, 1925, he played a crucial role in shaping the history of cricket and became an important character in the country’s overall development.
Kardar’s cricketing journey began before Pakistan even existed as an independent nation. He represented India on the 1946 tour of England under the name Abdul Hafeez. Known for his idiosyncratic and fearless playing style, Kardar made a mark as a left-handed batsman and a left-arm medium-paced bowler. His signature move was to dance down the track and slam the ball back over the bowler’s head, a strategy that brought him great success.
After the tour, Kardar changed his surname to Kardar and stayed in England to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University. During this time, he continued playing cricket for Warwickshire. Interestingly, Kardar’s time in England also led to his marriage with the daughter of the club’s chairman, further cementing his connection to the country.
In 1952, Kardar captained the Pakistani cricket team in their inaugural Test match against India. He led the team with distinction and played a pivotal role in establishing Pakistan as a worthy competitor in the world of cricket. Under Kardar’s leadership, Pakistan achieved victories over all Test-playing countries except South Africa. He demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, both as a player and as a leader.
Kardar’s contributions to Pakistani cricket extended beyond his role as a player. He later became the chairman of selectors and the president of Pakistan’s Board of Control from 1972 to 1977. In these positions, he revolutionized the organization of the sport in Pakistan. His forward-thinking ideas, such as eliminating unwieldy committees, breaking the dominance of Lord’s, and expanding the game in Asia, set the groundwork for modern cricket administration.
An advocate for change, Kardar was an early proponent of neutral umpires, a concept that has since become the standard in international cricket. However, his assertive nature and quick temper often led to conflicts and criticisms from his colleagues. Nevertheless, his visionary approach to the game and dedication to modernizing cricket administration laid a strong foundation for the future.
After his retirement from cricket, Kardar served as Pakistan’s ambassador to Switzerland. Though diplomacy may not have come naturally to him, his contributions to the sport and his country’s cricketing legacy remain unmatched. Imran Khan, another iconic Pakistani cricketer, once remarked on the challenges faced by Pakistani cricket after Kardar’s retirement, stating that the sport had fallen into the hands of cricket bureaucrats who still influence the game today.
Abdul Hafeez Kardar’s impact on Pakistani cricket and his tireless efforts to elevate the sport both on and off the field make him one of the most influential figures in the history of cricket. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of cricketers in Pakistan and around the world.
