Arbab Niaz Stadium being considered for PSL matches

PESHAWAR: Renovation is in the final stages while adequate security measures have been ensured to host Pakistan Super League matches in this year’s event at Arbab Niaz Stadium.

The Khyber Pakhtun- khwa’s lone world class stadium has not hosted any international match due to security concerns in the last two decades. The last international match on this ground was played between Pakistan and India on February 6, 2006. The hosts won the match by 7 runs through DL method despite Tendulkar hitting a century.

On Tuesday, representatives of the International Cricket Council visited Arbab Niaz Stadium to inspect arrangements for international players as well as the security measures. Capital City Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan briefed the delegation about the security measures to be taken for the big event.

On this occasion, the team inspected the ground, pavilion area, route for the foreign players from the hotel and other arrangements. The Peshawar police chief briefed them that a shuttle service, monitoring with drone cameras, would be provided to the players and officials.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is considering holding a couple of matches of PSL in Peshawar in April. This was also planned for the previous editions of PSL but arrangements could not be finalised. It remains to be seen as to whether the arrangements are finalised and the foolproof security is ensured this time.“Work is in full swing on pitches, stands and floodlights. We will make sure all the arrangements are finalised as per international standards before the event,” an official said.