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Arbab Niaz Stadium Renamed After Ex-Pakistan Captain Imran Khan Amid Protests

Akshita Patel

Arbab Niaz Stadium Renamed [Source: @CallMeSheri1, @agentjay2009/X.com]Arbab Niaz Stadium Renamed [Source: @CallMeSheri1, @agentjay2009/X.com]

The famous Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar has been officially renamed as Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, even though many people have raised objections. A new nameplate was recently put up at the stadium, which is currently going through a major renovation.

The stadium was originally named after Arbab Niaz Muhammad, a former federal sports minister. Built in 1984, it is the only international cricket ground in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

Over the years, it has hosted many domestic and international matches. However, it hasn’t seen an international match in the past 19 years. 

Arbab Niaz Stadium To Be Now Called As Imran Khan Stadium

Ahead of its renovation, Arbab Niaz Stadium has been renamed after former Pakistan cricket team captain Imran Khan. The name plate outside the ground has led to widespread controversy.

Many people, including political parties, the family of Arbab Niaz, and other well-known figures, had opposed the name change. They feel that it is unfair to erase the name of such an esteemed leader, who greatly contributed to creating sport in the country.

Interestingly, even Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and cricket legend, is said to have been against the idea of naming the stadium after him. The governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also called the decision inappropriate. 

Still, the authorities went ahead and installed the new signage as part of the stadium’s refurbishment project as workers were seen putting up the new board recently.

Imran Khan Jailed In Fraud Case

Imran Khan is currently serving his time in jail, where he was sentenced to 14 years in prison alongside his wife Bushra Bibi, in the high-profile corruption case. Once a national hero for leading Pakistan to their World Cup triumph of 1992 as captain, Imran is now in prison for a dramatic fall from glory. 

The case, filed in 2022 accused Khan of withholding details about expensive gifts he received while in office and illegally selling some of them without proper disclosure or tax declarations. As part of the verdict, Khan has been fined PKR 787 million (around $ 2.9 million) and handed a 10-year political ban.