An inquiry has been initiated into the controversial lifetime ban imposed on Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem’s coach, Salman Butt, with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) summoning all relevant parties for a hearing.
According to official details, the PSB Adjudicators have summoned the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), along with javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and his coach Salman Butt, for a hearing scheduled on 3 November. The proceedings will be chaired by Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, who will oversee the adjudication on the matter.
The federal government had earlier taken notice of the AFP’s decision and directed the Pakistan Sports Board to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the ban, which triggered strong criticism within sporting circles.
The Athletics Federation had abruptly imposed a lifetime ban on coach Salman Butt, a move that shocked many in the athletics community. In response, Butt rejected the allegations against him, terming the action “motivated by personal grudge and bias.”
The outcome of the PSB inquiry is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the ban stands or is reversed, especially at a time when Arshad Nadeem is preparing for major international sporting commitments.
