Not so long ago, Pakistan’s Javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem made history at the Paris Olympics 2024. He earned Pakistan’s first Gold medal after a long wait of 40 years and on top of that it was Pakistan’s first individual goal at the Olympics.
There were only 7 athletes from Pakistan this time but Arshad chose to make history, making Pakistan proud, and flying the flag higher and higher.
If anything, it has inspired millions around the country as it wasn’t a small feat and Arshad achieved this all on his own. He wasn’t supported by the Pakistani government and was struggling to get a new javelin months before the Olympics.
Talking in this regard to a press-conference, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood applauded the National hero and was hopeful to replicate his heroics in the field of cricket.
“Arshad Nadeem is a national hero. He has surpassed his previous achievements, and we are very proud of him. When we play for Pakistan, our first thought is always of our country. Arshad Nadeem has brought us great joy, and as a cricket team, we aim to bring the same happiness to our nation”
Pakistan is currently gearing up for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series is a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Pakistan currently sits at fifth position and will look forward to improving his position in the upcoming home series against Bangladesh.
Talking in this regard, Masood said if we need to compete and win in this WTC cycle, we need to play a positive brand of cricket.
“If we need to compete in World Test Championship, we need to secure victories, which requires showing intent and positivity in every aspect of the game, whether it’s batting, bowling, or fielding,”
Talking about the language barrier, Masood said the foreign coaches have been to Pakistan before and players are playing international league so it helps them to understand the language better.
“We have spent a lot of time in different dressing rooms. Foreign coaches have come here before. Mickey has come here twice. Different assistant foreign coaches have come here. Even our support staff, personnel, strength and conditioning coach, physio have come from abroad. So I think the boys have picked a lot of things over the years. They have played for different leagues and franchises. Some have even played club cricket in England in the past. So I think the communication gap is something that has reduced a lot”
Pakistan started their WTC cycle on a high-note thrashing Sri Lanka in away series. Despite fighting hard, the team failed to secure a win against Australia. Now, the side will be up against Bangladesh at home. It will be Shan’s second assignment as a Test captain while Jason Gillespie’s first series as a coach.
Pakistan will look forward to defeat Bangladesh as they haven’t won any series at home since 2021.
Pakistan Test squad for Bangladesh series:
Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), Aamer Jamal (subject to fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi
