Abdul Hafeez Kardar: Difference between revisions

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{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{short description|Pakistani cricketer and politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox cricketer
{{Infobox cricketer
| name              = Abdul Hafeez Kardar
| name              = Abdul Hafeez Kardar
| image              =
| image              = Abdul Hafeez Kardar.jpg
| caption            = A.H. Kardar in 1954
| caption            = A.H. Kardar
| country            = India
| country            = India
| country2          = Pakistan
| country2          = Pakistan
Line 10: Line 11:
| nickname          =  
| nickname          =  
| birth_date        = {{birth date|df=yes|1925|1|17}}<ref name=Independent>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary-abdul-hafeez-kardar-1346507.html Obituary: Abdul Hafeez Kardar] Independent (UK newspaper), Published 10 May 1996, Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref>
| birth_date        = {{birth date|df=yes|1925|1|17}}<ref name=Independent>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary-abdul-hafeez-kardar-1346507.html Obituary: Abdul Hafeez Kardar] Independent (UK newspaper), Published 10 May 1996, Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref>
| birth_place        = [[Lahore]], [[British Punjab|Punjab]], [[British India]]<br>(now Pakistan)
| birth_place        = [[Lahore]], [[British Punjab|Punjab]], [[British India]]
| death_date        = {{death date and age|df=yes|1996|4|21|1925|1|17}}<ref name=Independent/>
| death_date        = {{death date and age|df=yes|1996|4|21|1925|1|17}}<ref name=Independent/>
| death_place        = [[Islamabad]], Pakistan
| death_place        = [[Islamabad]], Pakistan
Line 17: Line 18:
| heightm            =  
| heightm            =  
| batting            = Left-handed
| batting            = Left-handed
| bowling            = [[Slow left arm orthodox]] spin bowler
| bowling            = [[Slow left arm orthodox]]
| role              =  
| role              =  
| family            = <small>[[Zulfiqar Ahmed (cricketer, born 1926)|Zulfiqar Ahmed]]&nbsp;(brother-in-law),<br />Farooq Kardar&nbsp;(cousin),<br />[[Alec Hastilow|CAF&nbsp;Hastilow]]&nbsp;(father-in-law)<ref name=Independent/><br />[[Shahid Hafeez Kardar|Shahid Kardar]]&nbsp;
| family            = {{ubl|[[Zulfiqar Ahmed (cricketer, born 1926)|Zulfiqar Ahmed]]&nbsp;(brother-in-law)|[[Alec Hastilow]]&nbsp;(father-in-law)<ref name=Independent/>|[[Shahid Hafeez Kardar|Shahid Kardar]]&nbsp;(son)}}
(son)</small>
[[Alma Mater]] Oxford University and Islamia College, Lahore.
| international      = true
| international      = true
| internationalspan  = 1946
| internationalspan  = 1946
Line 35: Line 34:
| lasttestfor        = Pakistan
| lasttestfor        = Pakistan
| lasttestagainst    = West Indies
| lasttestagainst    = West Indies
| club1             = [[Combined Services (Pakistan) cricket team|Combined Services]]
| club5             = [[Combined Services (Pakistan) cricket team|Combined Services]]
| year1             = 1953–1954
| year5             = 1953–1954
| club2             = [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club|Warwickshire]]
| club4             = [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club|Warwickshire]]
| year2             = 1948–1950
| year4             = 1948–1950
| club3              = [[Oxford University cricket team|Oxford University]]
| club3              = [[Oxford University cricket team|Oxford University]]
| year3              = 1947–1949
| year3              = 1947–1949
| club4             = [[Muslims cricket team|Muslims]]
| club2             = [[Muslims cricket team|Muslims]]
| year4             = 1944
| year2             = 1944
| club5             = [[Northern India cricket team|Northern India]]
| club1             = [[Northern India cricket team|Northern India]]
| year5             = 1943–1945
| year1             = {{nowrap|1943–1945}}
| columns            = 2
| columns            = 2
| column1            = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| column1            = [[Test cricket|Test]]
Line 52: Line 51:
| 100s/50s1          = 0/5
| 100s/50s1          = 0/5
| top score1        = 93
| top score1        = 93
| deliveries1        = 2712
| deliveries1        = 2,712
| wickets1          = 21
| wickets1          = 21
| bowl avg1          = 45.42
| bowl avg1          = 45.42
Line 61: Line 60:
| column2            = [[First-class cricket|First-class]]
| column2            = [[First-class cricket|First-class]]
| matches2          = 174
| matches2          = 174
| runs2              = 6832
| runs2              = 6,832
| bat avg2          = 29.83
| bat avg2          = 29.83
| 100s/50s2          = 8/32
| 100s/50s2          = 8/32
| top score2        = 173
| top score2        = 173
| deliveries2        = 24256
| deliveries2        = 24,256
| wickets2          = 344
| wickets2          = 344
| bowl avg2          = 24.55
| bowl avg2          = 24.55
Line 77: Line 76:
}}
}}


'''Abdul Hafeez Kardar''' ({{lang-ur|عبد الحفیظ کاردار }}) {{audio|Abdul Hafeez.ogg|pronunciation}} or '''Abdul Kardar''' (17 January 1925 – 21 April 1996) was a Pakistani cricketer and politician. He was the first [[captain (cricket)|captain]] of the [[Pakistan cricket team|Pakistan]] [[Test cricket]] team. He is one of the only three players to have played Test cricket for both [[India cricket team|India]] and [[Pakistan cricket team|Pakistan]], the other two being [[Amir Elahi]] and [[Gul Mohammad]].<ref name=GoogleDoodle/>
'''Abdul Hafeez Kardar''' [[Pride of Performance|PP]], [[Hilal-i-Imtiaz|HI]]  ({{langx|ur|{{nastaliq|عبد الحفیظ کاردار}}}}) (17 January 1925 – 21 April 1996) was a Pakistani cricketer, politician, and diplomat. He was the first [[captain (cricket)|captain]] of the [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan cricket team]] and one of only three players to have played [[Test cricket]] for both [[India cricket team|India]] and Pakistan.<ref name=GoogleDoodle/> Known as "The Skipper," Kardar led the Pakistan cricket team in its first 23 Test matches, spanning from 1952 to 1958, and later became the nation's foremost cricket administrator.


He also served as the member of the [[Provincial Assembly of the Punjab]] and remained Punjab Minister for Food under the Bhutto government.<ref name=Independent/>
Widely regarded as the father figure of Pakistan cricket, Kardar received the ''[[Pride of Performance]]'' Award from the [[Government of Pakistan]] in 1958.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160423145540/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article155685.ece The top 10 Pakistan Test cricketers] The Sunday Times (London newspaper), Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref><ref name="PSB" /> In addition to his cricketing achievements, he served as a member of the [[Provincial Assembly of the Punjab]] and held the position of Punjab Minister for Food under the Bhutto government.<ref name="Independent" />


He married an English woman, Helen Rosemary Hastilow, the daughter of the [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]] chairman Cyril Hastilow<ref name=Independent/> and a Pakistani woman, sister of Pakistani cricketer [[Zulfiqar Ahmed (cricketer)|Zulfiqar Ahmed]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/665476-cricketing-dynasties-the-22-families-of-pakistan-test-cricket-part-2|title=Cricketing dynasties: The 22 families of Pakistan Test cricket — Part 2 &#124; Sports &#124; thenews.com.pk|website=www.thenews.com.pk}}</ref>
==Early career==
Kardar was born in 1925 into a prominent Kardar [[Arain]] family in [[Lahore]], [[Punjab region|Punjab]].<ref>{{cite web |url-access=subscription |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/0/750/750.html |title=Player Profile: Abdul Kardar |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> He was educated at [[Islamia College, Lahore]], and [[University College, Oxford]]. Kardar played domestic cricket for various teams, including [[Oxford University cricket team|Oxford University]], [[Northern India]], and [[Muslims cricket team|Muslims]]. He was one of the few players of his generation to have represented [[India]] in Tests against [[England cricket team|England]] before the partition and, following the independence of India and Pakistan, went on to represent [[Pakistan]].<ref name=Independent/>


He captained the Pakistan cricket team in its first 23 Test matches from 1952 to 1958 and was later the nation's leading cricket administrator. He is widely regarded as the father figure of [[Pakistan]] cricket. He received the [[Pride of Performance]] Award from the [[Government of Pakistan]] in 1958.<ref>[http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article155685.ece The top 10 Pakistan Test cricketers] The Sunday Times (London newspaper), Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref><ref name=PSB/>
In 1952–53, Kardar was appointed captain of the Pakistan team for its first official Test series, a tour of India. Leading his team against [[Lala Amarnath]]'s Indian team, Kardar's men faced defeats in [[Delhi]] and [[Bombay]], with India winning the series. However, Pakistan secured its first-ever Test victory in the second match, held in [[Lucknow]].<ref name="Independent" />


==Early career==
Kardar was a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler. In [[first-class cricket]], he scored 6,832 runs at an average of 29.83 and took 344 wickets at an average of 24.55. He represented the Pakistan team from 1948 to 1952, during the years before Pakistan was granted Test status. Kardar also played for [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club|Warwickshire]] and [[Combined Services (Pakistan) cricket team|Pakistan Services]] in domestic cricket.<ref name="ESPN" />
Kardar was born in a famous Kardar [[Arain]] family of [[Lahore]], [[Punjab region|Punjab]] in 1925,<ref>{{cite web |url-access=subscription |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/0/750/750.html |title=Player Profile: Abdul Kardar |publisher=CricketArchive |access-date=15 April 2016}}</ref> and educated at [[Islamia College, Lahore]] and [[University College, Oxford]]. He played domestic cricket for a variety of teams, including [[Oxford University cricket team|Oxford University]], [[Northern India]] and [[Muslims cricket team|Muslims]]. He was one of the few players of his generation who played for [[India]] in Tests against [[England cricket team|England]], and following the [[independence of Pakistan]], representing [[Pakistan]].<ref name=Independent/> Kardar was appointed to lead the team which would play its first official Test series touring India in 1952–53. Kardar fielded his men against [[Lala Amarnath]]'s Indian team. Although India won in [[Delhi]] and [[Bombay]] and won the series, Kardar's Pakistani team achieved their first Test victory in only the second Test in [[Lucknow]].<ref name=Independent/>
 
==Pakistan's captain==
Kardar captained [[Pakistan]] against all the Test-playing nations of his time, achieving the remarkable distinction of leading his team to victory against each of them—a notable accomplishment for a newly established cricketing nation. One of his most famous victories was the series-levelling win against England at [[The Oval]] in 1954. Another historic achievement came in 1957 when Pakistan secured their first Test victory against Australia, in [[Karachi]].


He was a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler, scoring 6,832 runs and taking 344 wickets in [[first-class cricket]]. He averaged 29.83 in batting, and 24.55 in bowling. Kardar played for the Pakistan team from 1948 to 1952, in the years before Pakistan was granted Test status. Kardar also played for [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club|Warwickshire]] and [[Combined Services (Pakistan) cricket team|Pakistan Services]].<ref name=ESPN/>
Despite Kardar's aggressive, motivated, and confident leadership, Pakistan's team was still immature, inexperienced, and developing their cricketing skills, which limited their ability to win series consistently. The attitude of the players faced criticism during the [[India national cricket team|Indian cricket team's]] first tour of Pakistan in 1954–55, where all five Tests ended in draws. Political tensions and the bloody legacy of independence created an atmosphere where both teams feared losing, hindering competitive cricket.


==Pakistan's captain==
Under Kardar's captaincy, Pakistan played a total of 23 Tests, winning six, losing six, and drawing eleven. Although his leadership style was often dictatorial, and he was quick to anger—especially at criticism—Kardar was a visionary who advocated for the use of neutral umpires in cricket.<ref name="ESPN">[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/41030.html Profile of Abdul Hafeez Kardar on espncricinfo.com website] Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref> Kardar retired from international Test cricket in 1958.<ref name="ESPN" />
Kardar captained [[Pakistan]] against all the Test playing nations of the day, and achieved an unparalleled distinction of leading his team to victory against each of them, which was remarkable for a nascent cricketing nation. Especially famous was the series-levelling victory achieved touring England in 1954 at [[The Oval]]. Kardar and his men also created history by winning the first-ever and only Test against Australia in [[Karachi]] in 1957. Although aggressive, motivated and confident, Kardar's Pakistan was yet immature, inexperienced and raw in their cricketing skills to win series victories. The attitude of the players was especially criticised when all the five Tests played by the [[Indian cricket team]] on its first tour of Pakistan in 1954–55 ended in a draw. The fear of both Indian and Pakistani players of losing to each other, owing to political tensions and the bloody legacy of independence, was too much for competitive cricket to be played. During his tenure, Pakistan won six, lost six and drew eleven matches in a total of 23 Tests. In all his positions of authority, he was inclined to be dictatorial and quickly angered, especially by any hint of criticism. But he was also a visionary and was an advocate of neutral umpires.<ref name=ESPN>[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/41030.html Profile of Abdul Hafeez Kardar on espncricinfo.com website] Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref> Kardar retired from international Test cricket in 1958.<ref name=ESPN/>


==Later career==
==Later career==
Kardar had been a strong supporter of [[Mohammad Ali Jinnah]] and an adherent to the idea of Muslim glory in India. Abdul Hafeez Kardar went into politics and served as the president of the [[Pakistan Cricket Board]] from 1972 to 1977.<ref name=Independent/> His tenure was notable for increasing representation of Asian and African cricketing nations with the [[International Cricket Council]]. Kardar was forced to resign after an embarrassing pay dispute with the players in 1977. He also worked with many charitable and social development causes, and in the last years of his life was Pakistan's ambassador to [[Switzerland]],<ref name=Independent/> prior to his death in his hometown, [[Lahore]] in 1996. Kardar is today credited with popularising cricket among Pakistani people, for his tutelage of some of Pakistan's greatest cricketers, young talent and prodigies, and his stewardship of the Pakistan team and the board in its early years, developing a culture of pride and professionalism. He was also elected to the provincial assembly of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] in 1970 on a ticket of the [[Pakistan Peoples Party]] (PPP), and served in the provincial cabinet as a minister.<ref name=Independent/>
Kardar was a strong supporter of [[Mohammad Ali Jinnah]] and a firm believer in the idea of Muslim glory in India. He ventured into politics and served as the president of the [[Pakistan Cricket Board]] (PCB) from 1972 to 1977.<ref name=Independent/> His tenure was notable for advocating increased representation of Asian and African cricketing nations within the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC). However, he was forced to resign in 1977 following an embarrassing pay dispute with the players.
 
In addition to his cricketing and administrative roles, Kardar was actively involved in charitable and social development causes. In the final years of his life, he served as Pakistan's ambassador to [[Switzerland]].<ref name="Independent" /> He died in his hometown of [[Lahore]] in 1996.
 
Kardar is widely credited with popularizing cricket among the Pakistani people, mentoring some of the nation's greatest cricketers and nurturing young talent. His stewardship of the Pakistan team and the PCB during its formative years helped establish a culture of pride and professionalism in the sport. He was also elected to the Provincial Assembly of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] in 1970 on a [[Pakistan Peoples Party]] (PPP) ticket and served in the provincial cabinet as a minister.<ref name="Independent" />
 
==Private life==
Kardar married twice. He married Shahzadi, the sister of Pakistani cricketer [[Zulfiqar Ahmed (Pakistani cricketer)|Zulfiqar Ahmed]], in 1951.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809002611/https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/665476-cricketing-dynasties-the-22-families-of-pakistan-test-cricket-part-2|title=Cricketing dynasties: The 22 families of Pakistan Test cricket — Part 2. Sports. thenews.com.pk|website=www.thenews.com.pk}}</ref>. His second was to Helen Hastilow, the daughter of [[Alec Hastilow]], chairman of [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]], in 1954.<ref name="Independent" /> He had at least one son, [[Shahid Hafeez Kardar]], who is a prominent economist.


==Tribute==
==Tribute==
In 2019, he was featured as a [[Google Doodle]] on what would have been his 94th birthday.<ref name=GoogleDoodle>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/doodles/abdul-hafeez-kardars-94th-birthday|title=Abdul Hafeez Kardar'okte=21 June 2019}}</ref>
In 2019, Abdul Hafeez Kardar was honored with a [[Google Doodle]] on what would have been his 94th birthday.<ref name=GoogleDoodle>{{cite web|url=https://doodles.google/doodle/abdul-hafeez-kardars-94th-birthday/|title=Abdul Hafeez Kardar'okte=21 June 2019}}</ref>


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
*[[Pride of Performance]] Award in 1958 by the [[President of Pakistan]]<ref name=PSB>[http://www.sports.gov.pk/Awards/award_cricket.htm Pride of Performance Award for Abdul Hafeez Kardar info on Pakistan Sports Board website] Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref><ref name=GoogleDoodle/> In 2012, he was posthumously awarded [[Hilal-i-Imtiaz]] in recognition of contribution to Pakistan's cricket.<ref name="The News International 2012">{{cite web | title=President confers civil awards on Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals - Top Story | website=The News International | date=15 August 2012 | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/379890-president-confers-civil-awards-on-pakistani-citizens-and-foreign-nationals | access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref>
Kardar received the ''[[Pride of Performance]]'' Award in 1958 from the [[President of Pakistan]].<ref name=PSB>[http://www.sports.gov.pk/Awards/award_cricket.htm Pride of Performance Award for Abdul Hafeez Kardar info on Pakistan Sports Board website] Retrieved 21 June 2019</ref><ref name=GoogleDoodle/> In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the ''[[Hilal-i-Imtiaz]]'' in recognition of his contributions to Pakistan's cricket.<ref name="The News International 2012">{{cite web | title=President confers civil awards on Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals – Top Story | website=The News International | date=15 August 2012 | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/379890-president-confers-civil-awards-on-pakistani-citizens-and-foreign-nationals | access-date=25 June 2020}}</ref>
 
That same year, he was also awarded the ''[[Sitara-i-Imtiaz|Sitara-e-Imtiaz]]'', Pakistan's third-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contributions to the country's cricket team.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}


==Books by A.H. Kardar==
==Books by A.H. Kardar==
Line 122: Line 132:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{CricketArchive|id=750}}
* {{ESPNcricinfo|id=41030}}
* {{ESPNcricinfo|id=41030}}


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box
{{succession box
| before = none
| before = Position Established
| title = [[Pakistani national cricket captains|Pakistan Cricket Captain]]
| title = [[Pakistani national cricket captains|Pakistan Cricket Captain]]
| years = 1952–1958
| years = 1952–1958
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[[Category:1925 births]]
[[Category:1925 births]]
[[Category:1996 deaths]]
[[Category:1996 deaths]]
[[Category:Pakistani Muslims]]
[[Category:India Test cricketers]]
[[Category:India Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Pakistan Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Pakistan Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of Pakistan to Switzerland]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of Pakistan to Switzerland]]
[[Category:Pakistan Test cricket captains]]
[[Category:Pakistan Test cricket captains]]
[[Category:Cricketers who have played for more than one international team]]
[[Category:Dual international cricketers]]
[[Category:Commonwealth XI cricketers]]
[[Category:Commonwealth XI cricketers]]
[[Category:Government Islamia College alumni]]
[[Category:Government Islamia College alumni]]
[[Category:Indian cricketers]]
[[Category:Indian cricketers]]
[[Category:Warwickshire cricketers]]
[[Category:Warwickshire cricketers]]
[[Category:Pakistani expatriate cricketers in England]]
[[Category:Oxford University cricketers]]
[[Category:Oxford University cricketers]]
[[Category:Gentlemen cricketers]]
[[Category:Gentlemen cricketers]]
[[Category:Pakistan Peoples Party MPAs (Punjab)]]
[[Category:Pakistan People's Party MPAs (Punjab)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Pride of Performance]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Pride of Performance]]
[[Category:Combined Services (Pakistan) cricketers]]
[[Category:Combined Services (Pakistan) cricketers]]
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[[Category:Muslims cricketers]]
[[Category:Muslims cricketers]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Lahore]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Lahore]]
[[Category:Cricket historians and writers]]
[[Category:Cricket writers]]
[[Category:Alumni of University College, Oxford]]
[[Category:Alumni of University College, Oxford]]
[[Category:Pakistan Cricket Board Presidents and Chairmen]]
[[Category:Pakistan Cricket Board presidents and chairmen]]
[[Category:Punjab MPAs 1972–1977]]
[[Category:Punjab MPAs 1972–1977]]
[[Category:Pakistani sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:Pakistani sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:Pakistani cricketers]]
[[Category:Provincial ministers of Punjab]]
[[Category:Provincial ministers of Punjab]]
[[Category:Politicians from Lahore]]
[[Category:Pakistani cricket administrators]]
[[Category:Arain]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian Muslims]]

Latest revision as of 11:57, 22 February 2026


Abdul Hafeez Kardar
Personal information
Full nameAbdul Hafeez Kardar
Born(1925-01-17)17 January 1925[1]
Lahore, Punjab, British India
Died21 April 1996(1996-04-21) (aged 71)[1]
Islamabad, Pakistan
BattingLeft-handed
BowlingSlow left arm orthodox
Relations
International information
National sides
Test debut (cap 29/7)22 June 1946 
India v England
Last Test26 March 1958 
Pakistan v West Indies
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1943–1945Northern India
1944Muslims
1947–1949Oxford University
1948–1950Warwickshire
1953–1954Combined Services
Career statistics
Competition Test First-class
Matches 26 174
Runs scored 927 6,832
Batting average 23.76 29.83
100s/50s 0/5 8/32
Top score 93 173
Balls bowled 2,712 24,256
Wickets 21 344
Bowling average 45.42 24.55
5 wickets in innings 0 19
10 wickets in match 0 4
Best bowling 3/35 7/25
Catches/stumpings 16/– 110/–
Source: CricketArchive, 3 December 2008

Abdul Hafeez Kardar PP, HI (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) (17 January 1925 – 21 April 1996) was a Pakistani cricketer, politician, and diplomat. He was the first captain of the Pakistan cricket team and one of only three players to have played Test cricket for both India and Pakistan.[2] Known as "The Skipper," Kardar led the Pakistan cricket team in its first 23 Test matches, spanning from 1952 to 1958, and later became the nation's foremost cricket administrator.

Widely regarded as the father figure of Pakistan cricket, Kardar received the Pride of Performance Award from the Government of Pakistan in 1958.[3][4] In addition to his cricketing achievements, he served as a member of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab and held the position of Punjab Minister for Food under the Bhutto government.[1]

Early career[edit | edit source]

Kardar was born in 1925 into a prominent Kardar Arain family in Lahore, Punjab.[5] He was educated at Islamia College, Lahore, and University College, Oxford. Kardar played domestic cricket for various teams, including Oxford University, Northern India, and Muslims. He was one of the few players of his generation to have represented India in Tests against England before the partition and, following the independence of India and Pakistan, went on to represent Pakistan.[1]

In 1952–53, Kardar was appointed captain of the Pakistan team for its first official Test series, a tour of India. Leading his team against Lala Amarnath's Indian team, Kardar's men faced defeats in Delhi and Bombay, with India winning the series. However, Pakistan secured its first-ever Test victory in the second match, held in Lucknow.[1]

Kardar was a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler. In first-class cricket, he scored 6,832 runs at an average of 29.83 and took 344 wickets at an average of 24.55. He represented the Pakistan team from 1948 to 1952, during the years before Pakistan was granted Test status. Kardar also played for Warwickshire and Pakistan Services in domestic cricket.[6]

Pakistan's captain[edit | edit source]

Kardar captained Pakistan against all the Test-playing nations of his time, achieving the remarkable distinction of leading his team to victory against each of them—a notable accomplishment for a newly established cricketing nation. One of his most famous victories was the series-levelling win against England at The Oval in 1954. Another historic achievement came in 1957 when Pakistan secured their first Test victory against Australia, in Karachi.

Despite Kardar's aggressive, motivated, and confident leadership, Pakistan's team was still immature, inexperienced, and developing their cricketing skills, which limited their ability to win series consistently. The attitude of the players faced criticism during the Indian cricket team's first tour of Pakistan in 1954–55, where all five Tests ended in draws. Political tensions and the bloody legacy of independence created an atmosphere where both teams feared losing, hindering competitive cricket.

Under Kardar's captaincy, Pakistan played a total of 23 Tests, winning six, losing six, and drawing eleven. Although his leadership style was often dictatorial, and he was quick to anger—especially at criticism—Kardar was a visionary who advocated for the use of neutral umpires in cricket.[6] Kardar retired from international Test cricket in 1958.[6]

Later career[edit | edit source]

Kardar was a strong supporter of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and a firm believer in the idea of Muslim glory in India. He ventured into politics and served as the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from 1972 to 1977.[1] His tenure was notable for advocating increased representation of Asian and African cricketing nations within the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, he was forced to resign in 1977 following an embarrassing pay dispute with the players.

In addition to his cricketing and administrative roles, Kardar was actively involved in charitable and social development causes. In the final years of his life, he served as Pakistan's ambassador to Switzerland.[1] He died in his hometown of Lahore in 1996.

Kardar is widely credited with popularizing cricket among the Pakistani people, mentoring some of the nation's greatest cricketers and nurturing young talent. His stewardship of the Pakistan team and the PCB during its formative years helped establish a culture of pride and professionalism in the sport. He was also elected to the Provincial Assembly of Punjab in 1970 on a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ticket and served in the provincial cabinet as a minister.[1]

Private life[edit | edit source]

Kardar married twice. He married Shahzadi, the sister of Pakistani cricketer Zulfiqar Ahmed, in 1951.[7]. His second was to Helen Hastilow, the daughter of Alec Hastilow, chairman of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, in 1954.[1] He had at least one son, Shahid Hafeez Kardar, who is a prominent economist.

Tribute[edit | edit source]

In 2019, Abdul Hafeez Kardar was honored with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 94th birthday.[2]

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

Kardar received the Pride of Performance Award in 1958 from the President of Pakistan.[4][2] In 2012, he was posthumously awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz in recognition of his contributions to Pakistan's cricket.[8]

That same year, he was also awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's third-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contributions to the country's cricket team.[citation needed]

Books by A.H. Kardar[edit | edit source]

  • Inaugural Test Matches (1954)
  • Test Status on Trial (1954)
  • Green Shadows (1958)
  • People's Commitment (1971)
  • The Cricket Conspiracy (1977)
  • Is the Economic Future of Our Youth Become? (1985)
  • Bangladesh: The Price of Political Failure (1985)
  • Memoirs of an All-rounder (1987)
  • Pakistan's Soldiers of Fortune (1988)
  • An Ambassador's Diary (1994)
  • Failed Expectations (1995)

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 Obituary: Abdul Hafeez Kardar Independent (UK newspaper), Published 10 May 1996, Retrieved 21 June 2019
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Abdul Hafeez Kardar'okte=21 June 2019".
  3. ↑ The top 10 Pakistan Test cricketers The Sunday Times (London newspaper), Retrieved 21 June 2019
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Pride of Performance Award for Abdul Hafeez Kardar info on Pakistan Sports Board website Retrieved 21 June 2019
  5. ↑ "Player Profile: Abdul Kardar". CricketArchive. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Profile of Abdul Hafeez Kardar on espncricinfo.com website Retrieved 21 June 2019
  7. ↑ "Cricketing dynasties: The 22 families of Pakistan Test cricket — Part 2. Sports. thenews.com.pk". www.thenews.com.pk.
  8. ↑ "President confers civil awards on Pakistani citizens and foreign nationals – Top Story". The News International. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 25 June 2020.

External links[edit | edit source]

Preceded by
Position Established 		Pakistan Cricket Captain
1952–1958 		Succeeded by
Fazal Mahmood

Template:Pakistan Test Cricket Captains Template:Pride of Performance for Sports Template:Chairman of PCB

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