The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to rename Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar as Imran Khan Cricket Stadium to honor the former cricketer and Prime Minister’s contributions to the sport.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur approved the summary for the name change on Thursday. However, the decision will be formally finalized in the upcoming provincial cabinet meeting.
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Once approved, all official records and signboards will reflect the new name.
According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department, the renaming is a tribute to Imran Khan’s achievements in cricket, particularly his leadership in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory.
The stadium has hosted numerous international and domestic matches and is considered one of Peshawar’s key sports venues.
The decision to rename Arbab Niaz Stadium has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that Imran Khan’s contributions to cricket are undeniable, making the renaming a fitting tribute.
However, critics believe that historic stadium names should be preserved and that changing names for political reasons sets a controversial precedent.
Arbab Niaz Stadium has a long history of cricketing events. With its ongoing renovation, officials hope the stadium will soon host international matches again, this time under its new name.
The final decision now rests with the provincial cabinet, after which the renaming will become official.