Many reputable sources claim that Abdul Hafeez Kardar is the father of Pakistan cricket. The legendary cricketer made giant strides throughout an illustrious career to earn this prestigious title among hundreds of current and former Pakistan players. Let’s explore the legendary cricketer’s career and everything he contributed to the success of this sport in Pakistan.
Why is Abdul H. Kardar the Father of Pakistan Cricket?
A. H. Kardar is considered as a father of Pakistan cricket since he captained the team throughout their first Test encounters in history. Pakistan attained Test status in 1952 and Kardar captained the side until 1958. His performances as a cricketer made fans in Pakistan and abroad appreciate every cap he earned in service of his national team.
Impressive Records Held by the Father of Pakistan Cricket
First Test captain
Kardar made history as Pakistan’s first-ever Test skipper in 1952. He is also the first cricketer to play for India and Pakistan. Kardar opted to play for Pakistan when the separation from India was completed, officially playing professional cricket for both countries.
First pioneer captain to become cricket administrator
Kardar is the only pioneer Test captain for Pakistan and created a record by assuming the Pakistan administrative seat in 1972. He would remain in this position until his resignation in May 1977.
During his stint as PCB chief, Kardar encouraged a new system of cricket structure in Pakistan. Throughout his 5-year stay as PCB chair, Kardar encouraged and acted on the structure of cricket to adopt a 3-tier system.
The 3-tier system encouraged greater segmentation of cricket across domestic formats. However, later changes will scrap his recommended format to reflect global realities in the sport later on.
Abdul Kardar Career Stats
Abdul Kardar Batting and Fielding Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 26 | 42 | 3 | 927 | 93 | 23.76 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 16 | 0 |
| FC | 174 | 262 | 33 | 6832 | 173 | 29.83 | 8 | 32 | – | 110 | 0 |
Abdul Kardar Bowling Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 26 | 26 | 2712 | 954 | 21 | 3/35 | 5/73 | 45.42 | 2.11 | 129.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 174 | – | 24256 | 8448 | 344 | 7/25 | – | 24.55 | 2.08 | 70.5 | – |
Who is Pakistan’s Best-Ever Cricket Captain?
Imran Khan is on record as Pakistan’s best-ever cricket captain, after guiding the Men in Green to the best period in their sporting history. Khan was the skipper for Pakistan in at least two ODI World Cups and led the team to massive success in their campaigns for a title.
He secured Pakistan’s solitary ICC ODI World Cup came under Khan’s leadership, and the Falcons have not managed to replicate that feat for over 2 decades. Khan’s performances for Pakistan do not rank high among overall high-hitters; however, the talismanic all-rounder’s title-winning stints as skipper earns him a cult following among cricket fans worldwide.
Imran Khan Batting and Fielding Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 88 | 126 | 25 | 3807 | 136 | 37.69 | – | – | 6 | 18 | 55 | 28 | 0 |
| ODIs | 175 | 151 | 40 | 3709 | 102 | 33.41 | 5105 | 72.65 | 1 | 19 | – | 36 | 0 |
| FC | 382 | 582 | 99 | 17771 | 170 | 36.79 | – | – | 30 | 93 | – | 117 | 0 |
| List A | 425 | 384 | 80 | 10100 | 114 | 33.22 | – | – | 5 | 66 | – | 84 | 0 |
Imran Khan Bowling Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 88 | 142 | 19458 | 8258 | 362 | 8/58 | 14/116 | 22.81 | 2.54 | 53.7 | 17 | 23 | 6 |
| ODIs | 175 | 153 | 7461 | 4844 | 182 | 6/14 | 6/14 | 26.61 | 3.89 | 40.9 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| FC | 382 | – | 65224 | 28726 | 1287 | 8/34 | – | 22.32 | 2.64 | 50.6 | – | 70 | 13 |
| List A | 425 | – | 19122 | 11312 | 507 | 6/14 | 6/14 | 22.31 | 3.54 | 37.7 |
Who is the First Hindu to Play Cricket for Pakistan?
Anil Dalpat broke into the Pakistan team as their first-ever Hindu cricketer based on his stellar performances. He went on to feature in a handful of Tests and ODIs for Pakistan, but never got to maintain a starting role in Men in Green squads.
Anil Dalpat Batting and Fielding Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 9 | 12 | 1 | 167 | 52 | 15.18 | 507 | 32.93 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 0 | 22 | 3 |
| ODIs | 15 | 10 | 3 | 87 | 37 | 12.42 | 136 | 63.97 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 2 |
| FC | 137 | 181 | 37 | 2556 | 92 | 17.75 | – | – | 0 | 9 | – | – | 307 | 123 |
| List A | 53 | 30 | 6 | 303 | 40 | 12.62 | – | – | 0 | 0 | – | – | 48 | 25 |
