The KP government has approved Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium to be renamed Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Shahi Bagh, Peshawar to honor former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy and his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s sports landscape
Sources said that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa desired the renaming of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, Shahi Bagh Peshawar, to Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Shahi Bagh Peshawar.
Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, located in Shahi Bagh, Peshawar, was originally constructed by the Municipal Corporation Peshawar through the Peshawar Development Authority under the directive of the then President of Pakistan.
Initially, the stadium had a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators and a small pavilion for local cricket matches. On December 15, 1985, the stadium was transferred from the Municipal Corporation Peshawar to the then Sports Board. Subsequently, the Provincial Government undertook its development during the fiscal year 1986-87.
Later on, the Stadium was further improved and provided some facilities when the World Cup matches were held in India and Pakistan in 1996.
The stadium has been used as a venue for Test matches, One Day Internationals, First-Class matches, and Inter-Club Cricket competitions. Since its upgradation, it has hosted teams from all major cricket-playing nations, including Australia, England, South Africa, the West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, India, and Zimbabwe, for both Test and ODI matches.
The Provincial Government approved a scheme titled “Feasibility and Improvement of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, Peshawar” at a total cost of Rs. 1,377.87 million on 04-04-2018. The scheme was subsequently revised on 14-04-2021, with a revised cost of Rs. 1,946.15 million. A second revision was approved on 06-09-2024, increasing the total cost to Rs. 2,316.54 million.
It is stated that there are several international standards playing facilities in the province established by the Provincial Government or the Federal Government. The Provincial Government, in recognition of the services of Political figures and former International/National level Sportsmen, has named some of the sports facilities in their names e.g. Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium and Qayum Stadium at Peshawar Sports Complex, Hanif Khan Memorial Sports Complex Thana, Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex Charsadda and Qazi Mohib Hockey Stadium Bannu.
This renaming reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing national heroes, inspiring future generations, and promoting a culture of acknowledging excellence in sports.
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Sports and other stadiums should be named neutrally. No public infrastructure should be named on any personality. This practice must be stopped across Pakistan.