Imran Khan tells KP govt to not name Peshawar stadium after him: reports

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has reportedly issued directives for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to restore the name of the cricket stadium in Peshawar.

According to reports, Khan’s directives come after the provincial government decided to rename Arbab Niaz Stadium – the lone international cricketing venue in the province – after the PTI founder and World Cup-winning captain.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur approved the renaming of the historic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar. The stadium, located in Shahi Bagh, is set to be renamed as 'Imran Khan Cricket Stadium.' Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet is expected to approve the renaming today (Friday).

The decision sparked opposition, particularly from Arbab Shehzad, the grandson of Arbab Niaz. Arbab Shehzad, a former Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and an ex-adviser to Imran Khan has rejected the decision, calling it an attempt to please Imran Khan at the expense of his grandfather's legacy.

He emphasized that the Peshawar Municipal Committee had officially named the stadium after his father through a resolution passed after his death in recognition of his services. He also questioned whether the provincial government had sought Imran Khan's approval for the renaming, noting that the former Premier has consistently opposed naming roads or buildings after living individuals.

Arbab Shehzad further highlighted that in 2013, the provincial cabinet had approved a decision in Imran Khan's presence, stating that no buildings or roads would be named after living persons. He stressed that the stadium's original name should remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, unverified reports suggest that Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches may not be held in Peshawar, as franchise teams have reportedly refused to play in the city.