Efforts underway to host PSL matches in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Syed Fakhar Jahan has announced that the construction work of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar will be completed by February 15, 2025.
Once the construction is finished, the stadium will be ready to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches. Fakhar Jahan emphasized that efforts were being made to bring PSL matches to Peshawar and to secure international matches in the city as soon as possible.
He made these remarks while reviewing the ongoing construction work at the stadium, accompanied by key officials including Director General of Sports, Abdul Nasir Khan, Peshawar Zalmi Director and former Test cricketer Muhammad Akram, and other officials from the sports department. He mentioned that the civil work at the stadium would be carried out in double shifts to ensure timely completion.
In addition to the construction progress, Fakhar Jahan announced that trials for the PSL would be held at the Arbab Niaz Stadium starting from January 1, 2024. Syed Fakhar Jahan assured that the remaining construction work of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar would be completed by February 2025, ensuring the stadium is ready to host PSL matches in the coming year. He emphasized that no financial constraints would hinder the progress of the project, and he is hopeful that the entire work will be finished on time.
In response to concerns about security, the provincial minister confirmed that there are no security issues in the province, highlighting that several national-level competitions have already been successfully held.
During the media interaction, Muhammad Akram, Director of Peshawar Zalmi, confirmed that trials for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), organized by the team, would begin on January 1, 2024, at the Arbab Niaz Stadium, with players from across Pakistan set to participate.
Syed Fakhar Jahan also underscored that Peshawar Zalmi will play a vital role in fostering sports development within the province. He added that the people of the province deserve the chance to watch PSL matches live in their hometown.
To show support for the local cricket community, the provincial minister, along with Peshawar Zalmi Director Muhammad Akram, other participants, and media representatives, visited the stadium ground. During the visit, they distributed shirts to the players, reinforcing the spirit of sportsmanship and community involvement.