Pakistan Test team coach Jason Gillespie said he would love to invite Pakistan’s first and only Olympics individual gold medal winner Arshad Nadeem to the team dressing room.
In the javelin throw event, Nadeem created history by winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He broke the Olympic record with a 92.97m throw.
Nadeem's triumph marked the first medal for Pakistan at the Olympics since the 1992 Games in Barcelona. He beat India’s Neeraj Chopra to win the gold medal.
Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie, whose first assignment will be the upcoming two-Test series at home against Bangladesh, said that he would love to have Arshad Nadeem meet the Pakistan team.
"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 on the PCB Podcast.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) played a significant part in the athlete's achievement after sponsoring him following initial difficulties in obtaining javelins and other preparation materials.
Arshad Nadeem's record-breaking performance has elevated Pakistan to the sporting map, something its cricketers have struggled to do in recent years.
Despite their consistent backing, the Men in Green have struggled throughout forms, notably a humiliating group stage defeat from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Shan Masood, Pakistan's red-ball captain, has stated that Nadeem's achievements serve as encouragement for the cricket squad rather than additional pressure.
"Does it put pressure on the team? I don’t see it as pressure but as a privilege. Representing Pakistan is a huge honor, and every day we play is a privilege. We should feel extremely proud and grateful to represent our country. Arshad Nadeem’s success motivates us to seize our opportunity to do something good for Pakistan," Masood said on the PCB Podcast.
The Pakistan v Bangladesh Test series begins on August 21.
