Pakistan's first Test captain, Abdul Kardar is a name that's at the top of the most influential cricketers in the country's history. In fact, he belongs to the select group of players to have represented India and Pakistan. His time with the former side of course came before partition happened, at a time when only India existed. A cold-blooded batsman with a swagger who loved to dominate the bowling irrespective of conditions and match situation, Kardar was a dynamite when on song. With the ball in hand, he could bowl accurate left-arm medium pace that was economical and if the pitch had some help for him, threatening.Kardar was part of the Indian team that went to England in 1946 and post that series, he settled down in the country for a few years in pursuit of his education and well-being.

After having got married, he returned to Pakistan and was soon appointed the country's captain for the maiden Test. As skipper, he was inspirational and tactically brilliant, thereby leading Pakistan to victories over every opponent that they faced during his era. Even as an administrator, he was par excellence and was associated with Pakistan cricket till 1977 when he stepped down in protest to the Government's over-interference in the PCB's working. Much like his cricketing days, Kardar's vision as an administrator was unparalleled, having plenty of reforms ahead of his times, one of which was the use of neutral umpires. In the words of former Pakistan captain and current Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kardar was the last of the efficient breed of administrators in Pakistan cricket.

Written by Hariprasad Sadanandan