Abdul Hafeez Kardar was born on October 2, 1925, in Lahore, British India. He was a left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox spin bowler. He played 27 Test matches for India and Pakistan, scoring 6832 runs and taking 344 wickets.

Kardar was educated at Islamia College, Lahore, and University College, Oxford. He made his first-class debut for Oxford University in 1945. In 1946, he was selected for the Indian Test team to tour England. He played in all five Tests of the series, scoring 260 runs at an average of 32.50.

After the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, Kardar opted to play for Pakistan. He captained Pakistan in their first Test match against India in 1952. He led Pakistan to victory in their second Test match against India, which was their first Test win.

Kardar was a successful captain. He led Pakistan to victory over all the then Test-playing countries except South Africa, whom they never met. He was also a successful batsman. He scored 10 Test centuries, including a double century.