Abdul Hafeez Kardar (1925-1996)

Abdul Hafeez Kardar (1925-1996):

A.H. Kardar was the father of Pakistani cricket. He popularized Asian cricket amongst the International Cricket Council and captained Pakistan's first test match in 1952. The team was victorious in the very next Test in Lucknow. In 23 matches as captain, Kardar led his team to victory over all the then Test-playing nations. A left-handed batsman, Kardar scored 6,832 runs and took 344 wickets in first class cricket. He received the Pride of Performance in 1958. He later became chairman of selectors and President of Pakistan's Board of Control from 1972 to 1977. During his last years, he served as Pakistan's ambassador to Switzerland.