Arbab Niaz Stadium officially renamed after Imran Khan

A new nameplate reading Imran Khan Cricket Stadium has been installed at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, despite opposition from political parties, the late Arbab Niaz’s family, and other public figures.

Labourers were seen erecting the signboard at the stadium, which is undergoing extensive renovation. The facility, originally named after former federal sports minister Arbab Niaz Muhammad, was constructed in 1984 and is the only international cricket ground in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Notably, reports suggest that even former prime minister Imran Khan had opposed renaming the stadium in his honor. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governor also publicly disagreed with the renaming decision, calling it inappropriate.

Despite objections, the new signage has been installed as part of the ongoing refurbishment project.

The Arbab Niaz Stadium has not hosted an international match in 19 years, with the last being a Pakistan vs India ODI on February 6, 2006.

Security concerns have prevented further events, and the venue is not expected to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches this year either.

Recently, representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited the site to assess its readiness and security for international events and future PSL seasons.