Arbab Niaz Stadium Renaming, Upgrade Progress
The renaming of Arbab Niaz Stadium to Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is a tribute to the former prime minister's contributions to Pakistan's sports landscape, and the ongoing construction work aims to upgrade the stadium to meet high standards and accommodate a large number of spectators, promoting a culture of recognizing excellence in sports.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jehan, along with other officials, visited Arbab Niaz Stadium to review the ongoing construction work, which is in its final stages and expected to be completed soon, as the government also decides to rename the stadium after Imran Khan.
The minister instructed officials to work in three shifts to expedite the remaining work and review progress daily, ensuring the stadium meets high standards and accommodates a large number of spectators. The renaming of the stadium is seen as a recognition of Imran Khan's role in shaping the nation's sports landscape, with Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan stating that it is beyond politics.
The stadium, built in 1984, has hosted numerous international cricket matches and has a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators. It has undergone several renovations, including a major upgrade in 2008 at a cost of Rs1.37 billion, and has hosted teams from major cricket-playing nations. The move is seen as a way to honor Imran Khan's contributions to Pakistan's cricket legacy and promote a culture of recognizing excellence in sports.
The decision to rename the stadium is expected to be approved by the provincial cabinet, and the construction work is expected to be completed soon, allowing the stadium to host more international cricket matches and promote sports in the region.
