PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to rename the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in the capital, Peshawar, after former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.
According to a TV channel report, the provincial sports department has prepared a summary for changing the name of the stadium, suggesting that it be renamed “Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.” This summary will be presented in the upcoming cabinet meeting, where it is likely to be approved.
According to the provincial government, the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium is located within the premises of the historic Shahi Bagh park in Peshawar.
The report stated that the summary also includes other details, starting from the establishment of the stadium. The sports department had proposed the name change in a letter sent to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
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This step has been taken under the policy of naming international-standard sports facilities in the province after political figures and former international and national players.
Several sports venues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have previously been named after prominent figures, including Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium, Abdul Qayyum Stadium Peshawar Sports Complex, Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex Charsadda, and Uzi Mohib Hockey Stadium Bannu.
Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium Cost:
Private media claims, the construction cost of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium has seen a continuous increase. In 2018, the cost of the stadium was Rs. 1.37 billion, which increased to Rs. 1.94 billion in 2021. Now, in 2024, the cost has reached Rs. 2.31 billion.
This decision by the provincial government has been made in recognition of Imran Khan’s political and social services. After the name change, the stadium will become one of the most important sports venues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
