Peshawar Cricket Stadium Renamed Amid Controversy
PESHAWAR: The Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium has been officially renamed Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, with new signage installed despite strong opposition from political parties, the family of the late Arbab Niaz Muhammad, and even former Prime Minister Imran Khan himself.
Key Developments:
- Signboard Installed: Workers were seen erecting the new nameplate as part of ongoing renovations.
- Historic Venue: Built in 1984, the stadium was originally named after Arbab Niaz Muhammad, a former federal sports minister.
- Political Backlash: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governor and other public figures have criticized the move, calling it “inappropriate.”
- Imran Khan’s Reported Opposition: Sources claim the PTI founder had previously opposed renaming the stadium after himself.
Stadium’s Current Status:
- No International Matches Since 2006: The last game played was a Pakistan vs. India ODI on February 6, 2006, due to security concerns.
- PSL Exclusion: The venue remains unlikely to host PSL matches this season.
- ICC Inspection: A recent visit by ICC officials assessed the stadium’s readiness for potential future international fixtures.
Why the Renaming is Controversial:
- Disregards public sentiment and objections from Arbab Niaz’s family.
- Seen by critics as politically motivated, despite Imran Khan’s own reluctance.
- Raises questions about naming public spaces after living figures.
What’s Next?
With renovations ongoing, it remains unclear whether the name change will face legal challenges or if authorities will reconsider the decision. Meanwhile, cricket fans await the stadium’s revival as an international venue.
