Basit Ali claims Arshad Nadeem’s solo Olympic triumph outshines Babar Azam and Pakistan Cricket Team's success

Former Pakistan cricketer and coach Basit Ali has delivered a bold statement on the comparisons between Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem and Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam. Both Babar Azam and Arshad Nadeem are two of Pakistan's brightest and biggest stars in the sports world.

While Babar dazzles with his cricketing skills on the field, Nadeem’s solo victory in the Olympic Games 2024 has certainly made him the true sporting icon of Pakistan, which symbolizes personal glory and unmatched dedication and hard work.

Basit Ali ranks Arshad Nadeem above Babar Azam

Arshad Nadeem clinched Pakistan's first-ever Olympic medal in athletics by winning gold in the men's javelin throw, defeating defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India, who finished in second place.

This historic win has elevated him to legendary status, a monumental feat considered unparalleled in Pakistan’s sports history and overshadows even the collective efforts of the Pakistan cricket team.

On being asked who is the biggest star between Babar Azam and Arshad Nadeem, the former Pakistan player has pointed out that Azam excels in a team sport where success relies on the collective effort of his teammates.

Basit Ali further noted that Nadeem plays an individual game and scripted history, so the glitter of an Olympic gold medal shines far brighter than whatever Babar and his team have achieved so far.

The former Pakistan women's cricket team coach has stressed that Nadeem’s individual heroics in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 outshined even the best of the cricket team sports triumphs. Basit Ali also said that there is no comparison of Babar to Nadeem, whose heroics will be remembered for ages.

There is no comparison of Babar to Nadeem: Basit Ali

Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel: “Cricket is a different game. But the work that Arshad Nadeem has done for this country will take a lot of years for Babar Azam. Because Babar plays a team game. He does not play an individual game. Arshad plays individually. He got a gold medal alone.”

He stressed that if the Pakistani team makes it to the 2028 Olympic Games and wins the gold, then the comparison should be made, but at this time, the cricket team is not doing well at all.

Basit added, “If the Pakistan cricket team goes to the Olympics in 2028 and wins a gold medal there, then we can draw comparisons. But at this time, there is no comparison of Babar to Arshad Nadeem. Arshad is a hero at this time.”

'Pakistan fans will be on Nadeem's side' - Basit Ali

Furthermore, the former Pakistani batter said that even if the entire Pakistan cricket team sets aside, they still can't match Nadeem's achievement. He added that comparing Babar alone to Nadeem doesn’t do justice; the entire cricket team would need to be considered, but still, the golden boy’s individual success stands out.

Basit signed off by saying, “If you put the entire Pakistan team one side, even then it will not come in the competition of Arshad. Do you understand? So don't compare Babar alone. The whole team should be on one side, but still our Olympic gold medalist is above them. And if Arshad Nadeem stands on one side, then the public will go to his side. Because our performance in cricket is not so good. When it will be good, then we will see.”