Work on Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium to complete on Jan 5: minister

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jahan announced that the construction work on the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar would be completed by February 15.

Talking to reporters during a visit to the stadium, he said that the stadium, on completion, would be available for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches and the provincial government would make every effort to host PSL matches in Peshawar.

He was accompanied by Peshawar Zalmi’s Director and former Test cricketer Mohammad Akram, Director General of Sports Abdul Nasir, Director of Arbab Niaz Stadium Saleem Raza, engineers and contractors.

Syed Fakhar Jahan stated that the civil work of the stadium would be carried out in double shifts to ensure timely completion by February. He expressed the hope that PSL matches could be held in Peshawar next year, claiming that funds would not be an obstacle in the construction process.

The provincial minister claimed that there were no security issues in the province, adding several national-level events had already been held successfully, including a recently concluded marathon race featuring athletes from across the country.

A national polo event is planned for January, he added.Peshawar Zalmi’s Director Mohammad Akram announced that trials for PSL, organised by Peshawar Zalmi, will begin at Arbab Niaz Stadium on January 1, with players from all over Pakistan participating.

He praised the stadium’s construction, stating that it exceeded expectations, and expressed optimism that PSL matches would be held in Peshawar next year.