The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to rename Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar as “Imran Khan Cricket Stadium” to honor former Prime Minister Imran Khan for his remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s cricketing history and sports development.
Tribute to a Cricketing Legend
Imran Khan is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricket captains, leading the national team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. His influence on cricket in Pakistan has been immense, and renaming the stadium after him is seen as a fitting tribute to his legacy. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially approved this decision, recognizing Imran Khan’s impact on both sports and national leadership.
History of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium
Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, located in Shahi Bagh, Peshawar, was originally built by the Municipal Corporation Peshawar under the Peshawar Development Authority, following directives from the then-President of Pakistan. It was later handed over to the Sports Board on December 15, 1985, and further developed by the provincial government in 1986-87.
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Initially, the stadium had a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators with a small pavilion for local matches. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades, including improvements when Pakistan and India co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The stadium has since hosted numerous international matches, welcoming teams from Australia, England, South Africa, the West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, and Zimbabwe.
Major Upgrades and Renovation
To enhance its facilities, the Provincial Government approved a major renovation project titled “Feasibility and Improvement of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, Peshawar” at a cost of Rs. 1,377.87 million in April 2018. The project was revised in April 2021, increasing the budget to Rs. 1,946.15 million. Another revision in September 2024 raised the total cost to Rs. 2,316.54 million.
Recognizing National Heroes in Sports
KP’s government has a history of naming sports facilities after national heroes. Examples include Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium, Qayum Stadium, Hanif Khan Memorial Sports Complex, Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex, and Qazi Mohib Hockey Stadium. This renaming initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to recognizing sports legends and inspiring future generations.
By renaming Arbab Niaz Stadium as Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, the KP government aims to honor a leader who shaped Pakistan’s cricketing future. This move is expected to boost the stadium’s importance and strengthen the region’s sports culture.
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