Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has asserted that Arshad Nadeem’s recent Olympic gold medal triumph surpasses the achievements of Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam.
In comparing the two sports icons, Basit Ali highlighted that while Babar Azam excels in a team sport, Nadeem’s individual effort in winning an Olympic gold carries more significance.
He pointed out that cricket relies on the collective performance of the entire team, whereas Nadeem achieved his victory through personal dedication and effort.
“Cricket is a team sport, but what Arshad Nadeem has done for this country will take years for Babar Azam to match. Babar plays in a team, whereas Arshad won his gold medal alone,” Basit remarked.
Basit further stated that even if the entire Pakistan cricket team were compared to Nadeem’s individual success, the Olympic champion would still stand out. He suggested that only if Pakistan’s cricket team wins gold at the 2028 Olympics could a fair comparison be made, but for now, Nadeem’s achievement remains unmatched.
“If the Pakistan cricket team wins a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics, then we can compare. But right now, there is no comparison between Babar and Arshad Nadeem. Arshad is the hero of the moment,” he added.
Arshad Nadeem made history by winning Pakistan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics, securing the top spot in the men’s javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Games. His victory, particularly against defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, has elevated him to the status of a national hero, and according to Basit, it has overshadowed the collective successes of Pakistan’s cricket team.
