A political storm has erupted over the decision to rename Peshawar’s historic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium after Imran Khan, with fierce opposition from the Arbab Niaz family and other critics.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reportedly approved the name change, pending a final decision at Friday’s provincial cabinet meeting. Arbab Shahzad, son of Arbab Niaz and a former Chief Secretary of KP, has outright rejected the move, calling it an attempt to appease Khan. He pointed out that the stadium was officially named after his father through a municipal resolution and questioned whether Khan had even been consulted. Shahzad also referenced a 2013 provincial cabinet decision barring the naming of roads or buildings after living individuals.
Further complicating matters, unverified reports suggest PSL franchises may refuse to play in Peshawar, putting the city’s cricketing future at risk.
The renaming controversy has ignited a heated political and social debate, with critics questioning both the government’s priorities and Imran Khan’s long-held stance against such tributes. The final decision—and its wider implications—remain uncertain.