In a long-awaited update on the construction progress of Peshawar’s cricket stadiums, the Arbab Niaz Stadium, in particular, has been under the spotlight. The stadium, which has been under construction for an extended period, had initial expectations to host matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024). However, with just a month remaining until the PSL kicks off, the stadium’s construction is still ongoing, notably with floodlights yet to be installed and a few other pending tasks.
Last year, Javed Afridi, the prominent figure associated with the Peshawar Zalmi franchise, had shared footage, raising hopes that the Arbab Niaz Stadium would finally be ready to host cricket events. However, the lingering construction delays have left fans waiting eagerly for the completion of the stadium, a recurring promise that has been made almost every year.
In a recent interview, Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Minister, Amjad Aziz Malik, shed light on the current status of the project. He acknowledged the delays and attributed the increased construction cost to the country’s economic challenges, citing inflation and the rise in the dollar rate as contributing factors. Malik mentioned,
“Around Rs2 billion will be spent on the project. The grass has been grown, pitches have been prepared, and we hope that by June, the construction work will be completed.”
Despite the setbacks, Malik assured that the stadium would not be able to host PSL matches this season due to the already finalized schedule. However, he expressed confidence in the completion of the construction work by June, paving the way for potential future cricket events.
On a positive note, Malik revealed that Peshawar is fortunate to have two international standard stadiums, with the Hayatabad Cricket Stadium nearing completion. He disclosed that the construction work of Hayatabad Cricket Stadium is almost finished and is expected to be handed over to the KP Sports Directorate within six weeks. Malik enthusiastically stated,
“It’s almost ready, and here both domestic and international matches can be held.”
Expressing the desire to bring top-level cricket back to Peshawar, Malik mentioned plans for an exhibition match featuring PSL players. The last top-level cricket event in Peshawar dates back to 2006, and the local authorities are eager to rekindle the cricketing spirit in the city.
Amjad Aziz Malik also discussed the possibility of leasing both stadiums to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He expressed personal and provincial government’s interest in such an arrangement, emphasizing the challenges faced by a provincial government in managing cricket venues. Malik indicated that a committee had been formed to explore the feasibility of leasing both venues to PCB, with discussions on rules and regulations ongoing.
“We want that there should be a joint management committee after the lease so that besides the PCB, the involvement of the provincial government in its management could be ensured,” Malik said.
He added that an application had been submitted to the law department to seek its opinion on the matter, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of conditions and terms.
As cricket enthusiasts in the city eagerly await the completion of both Peshawar’s cricket stadiums, the future seems promising, with efforts being made to bring international cricket back to the city and ensure efficient management through potential collaboration with the PCB. The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of these cricketing venues and the realization of long-awaited cricketing events in Peshawar.
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