After almost two decades, international cricket is set to return to Peshawar as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches at the newly renovated Arbab Niaz Stadium. The revival of cricket in the city comes after years of efforts by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government and Peshawar Zalmi, creating excitement among local fans.
The last international game hosted in Peshawar took place in 2006, when Pakistan faced India. The return of high-level cricket marks a significant milestone for the city. Due to the absence of floodlights, the upcoming PSL matches will take place during the day, ensuring the stadium is utilized to its full potential as it gears up for future events.
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In addition, the Champions Trophy will be showcased at the historic stadium, symbolizing the resurgence of cricket in the region. K-P Minister for Sports Syed Fakhar Jahan confirmed that construction work would be completed by mid-February, with hopes of hosting more PSL games in the near future.
The provincial government has emphasized that funding will not be an issue, and security concerns have been addressed, with Peshawar recently hosting successful national-level events. Cricket enthusiasts in the region are eagerly awaiting the PSL matches, hoping it signals a new era for sports in Peshawar.