PESHAWAR, Pakistan: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium will host two matches of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), marking the return of international cricket to the venue after nearly 20 years.
The last international cricket match between Pakistan and India was held in Peshawar 19 years ago, in 2006. Since then, the stadium has not hosted major cricket events due to security concerns.
An ICC representative visited Arbab Niaz Stadium to assess the feasibility of hosting a PSL in Peshawar. The visit included a survey of the ground, pavilion area, player routes, and hotel accommodations for foreign players.
During the visit, the head of Peshawar police briefed ICC representatives on security arrangements. Measures under consideration include a shuttle service for spectators, drone surveillance, and the establishment of a helipad near the stadium.
Earlier, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Syed Fakhar Jahan, announced that construction work on the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium would be completed by February 15.
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He mentioned that civil work at the stadium would be carried out in double shifts to ensure timely completion by the middle of February. He expressed optimism about hosting PSL matches in Peshawar, adding that funding would not be an obstacle in the construction process.
The upgradation of Arbab Niaz Stadium commenced in 2018 under the then-ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Officials had promised completion in two years, but delays pushed back the timeline.
Lack of funds and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to setbacks. The initial cost estimate of Rs 1.37 billion has now surged to Rs 3 billion.
The province’s weak economy led to funding shortages, further stalling construction. Officials halted work during the pandemic, stopping both labour and financial support.
Once completed, the stadium will accommodate over 30,000 spectators. Seats have already been installed.
