KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to invite Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem to the cricket team’s dressing room during the Bangladesh Test series.
Nadeem, 27, made history as he became the first-ever Pakistani to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics as his record 92.97-metre throw in the second attempt earned him the medal.
And now, after recently visiting the Prime Minister's house and other important places, Nadeem will grace the Pakistan cricket team’s dressing room.
The PCB has not yet decided on the date to call Arshad as the decision will be made upon the availability of 27-year-old.
It is worth mentioning that Nadeem also broke the Olympic record, which was previously held by Andreas Thorkildsen of Denmark (90.57m in Beijing 2008).
He also became Pakistan's first Olympic medal winner since Barcelona in 1992 and ended the night with another gigantic 91.79m throw on his final attempt.
Earlier, in a conversation on the PCB Podcast, Pakistan’s Test coach Jason Gillespie expressed his admiration for Nadeem's accomplishment and extended an open invitation.
"We would love to invite Arshad Nadeem to the dressing room as well. I saw all the Shaheens cheering him on during the Olympics. Having him visit and share his gold medal with the team would be a fantastic boost, especially with the Olympic spirit still in the air. It was a wonderful moment, and we extend an open invitation for him to visit the dressing room," Gillespie said.
Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood, reflecting on Nadeem's success, added, "Arshad Nadeem has made us all emotional. Seeing him on the podium waving the flag and ringing the Olympic bell was incredible. He deserves all the recognition he’s getting and is a national hero. His achievements highlight the talent in Pakistan, and we’re all proud of him.”
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
