On Friday, February 21, 2025, something exciting happened in Peshawar. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet said yes to a big change. They decided to rename a famous cricket stadium. It’s not called Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium anymore. Now, it will be the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium. This news made lots of people happy, but some were upset too.
Who Made This Happen?
The person behind this idea is Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. He’s the Chief Minister of KP. He signed a paper from the sports department. That paper said he wanted the stadium’s name to change. The stadium is in Shahi Bagh, a busy area in Peshawar. Gandapur thinks Imran Khan deserves this honor. Why? Because Imran Khan is a super famous name in Pakistan’s cricket world.
Why Imran Khan?
Imran Khan is a big hero for many. He was a great cricket player long ago. He led Pakistan to win the Cricket World Cup in 1992. That was a proud day for the country. Even today, people cheer when they hear his name. He’s not just a sports star. He also became Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. That’s why the sports minister, Syed Fakhar Jahan, said this isn’t about politics. It’s about celebrating a huge sports legend.
A Special Package Too!
The same day, the KP cabinet did more good things. They announced an Eid package. This package will help one million poor families in KP. It’s a kind gift to make their Eid happy. The cabinet meeting was busy with big decisions. Renaming the stadium was just one of them.
What’s the Stadium Like?
The stadium sits in Shahi Bagh, a green and lively spot. It’s a place where cricket fans gather to watch exciting matches. Before, it was named after Arbab Niaz. He was an important person too. But now, it’s all about Imran Khan. The change shows how much people love his cricket story.
Some People Aren’t Happy
Not everyone likes this idea. Arbab Shehzad is one of them. He’s the son of Arbab Niaz, the stadium’s old namesake. He said this change is wrong. He thinks it’s just to make Imran Khan happy. Shehzad reminded everyone of a rule from 2013. Back then, Imran Khan himself said no buildings should be named after living people. Shehzad wants the old name to stay.
A Bit of Fighting Over the Name
This news started a little argument. Some say it’s a great way to honor Imran Khan. Others think it’s not fair to Arbab Niaz. Arbab Shehzad even called it a silly attempt. He said his father’s name was chosen by the Peshawar Municipal Committee long ago. Changing it now feels like a mistake to him.
Imran Khan’s Cricket Glory
Let’s talk more about why Imran Khan is so special. He was a superstar cricketer. He played with a big smile and a strong arm. His biggest win was the 1992 World Cup. Pakistan beat England, and Imran lifted the shiny trophy. Kids today still watch videos of that match. It makes them proud and happy.
From Cricket to Politics
After cricket, Imran Khan didn’t stop. He became a leader. He started a party called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He won the election in 2018 and became Prime Minister. But in 2022, he had to leave that job. Now, he’s in jail because of some court cases. Even so, many people still love him.
What People Are Saying
This name change got people talking. Some fans clapped and cheered. They said, “Imran Khan deserves this!” Others shook their heads. They posted on X, a place where people share ideas. One person wrote, “Ground names shouldn’t be for politicians. This is sad.” Another said, “Great news! Imran Khan is a legend!” Everyone has their own thoughts.
A Stadium with History
The stadium has seen lots of fun games. It’s old but special. Cricket fans fill it up to shout for their teams. Now, with a new name, it’s ready for more action. Some wonder if big matches, like the Pakistan Super League (PSL), will happen there. Rumors say teams might not want to play in Peshawar. But nothing is sure yet.
Sports Minister’s Words
Syed Fakhar Jahan, the sports minister, spoke to Dawn. He said this isn’t about politics at all. He called Imran Khan the biggest name in Pakistan’s sports history. He wants people to see it as a happy tribute. Not a fight or a trick.
A Rule from the Past
Arbab Shehzad brought up an old rule. In 2013, when Imran Khan was a leader, he made a decision. He said no roads or buildings should be named after people who are still alive. Shehzad said Imran Khan should follow his own rule. Since Imran is alive, maybe the stadium shouldn’t have his name yet.
What’s Next for the Stadium?
The name change is official now. The KP cabinet said yes, so it’s happening. Soon, new signs might go up. They’ll say Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in bold letters. Fans will take pictures and share them. But some will still call it Arbab Niaz in their hearts.
Imran Khan Today
Imran Khan isn’t free right now. He’s in jail because of some legal trouble. He says it’s not fair. His supporters agree and want him out. Even in jail, his name is strong. This stadium news shows how much he means to people.
A Mix of Feelings
This story is happy for some and sad for others. Imran Khan’s fans are smiling wide. They see it as a big thank-you to their hero. But Arbab Niaz’s family feels left out. They think his memory should stay. It’s a tricky situation with lots of feelings.
Cricket Love in Peshawar
Peshawar loves cricket. Kids play it in streets with sticks and balls. The stadium is their dream spot. Naming it after Imran Khan might make them cheer louder. Maybe they’ll grow up wanting to be like him. That’s a fun thought!
A Day to Remember
February 21, 2025, was a busy day for KP. The cabinet met and made choices. The stadium’s new name was the loudest news. It’s a change that will stick around. People will talk about it for years.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? The Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium is now the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium. It’s a big deal in Peshawar. Some love it, some don’t. Imran Khan’s cricket past shines bright. But Arbab Niaz’s story matters too. This change shows how one name can mean so much to so many.