Imran Khan Archives - Sportslinkpk

Peshawar High Court hears petition against renaming Arbab Niaz Stadium after Imran Khan

news editor — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:34 +0000

Peshawar High Court hears petition against renaming Arbab Niaz Stadium after Imran Khan

By Nawaz Gohar ; The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday conducted a hearing on a petition challenging the provincial government’s decision to rename the historic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium after PTI founder Imran Khan.

The petitioner contended that renaming the established stadium after a living political figure violates established guidelines. According to the petition, public assets and national landmarks should not be named after living individuals, and the sudden change of a historic name is legally unjustifiable.

During the proceedings, Justice Syed Arshad Ali observed that there are already existing judgments from the Peshawar High Court and the Balochistan High Court regarding the naming of public properties.

The bench remarked that if the government wishes to honor a personality, it should construct a new stadium and name it accordingly, rather than renaming existing historical assets.

The court has directed the provincial government to submit a detailed report on the matter before the next hearing. The Additional Advocate General requested more time from the court to prepare and file the official response.

Arbab Niaz Stadium remains Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s premier international cricket venue. Between 1984 and 2006, the stadium hosted 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 6 Test matches. However, it has been over 18 years since it last hosted an international fixture, with the final match played in February 2006.

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Cricket legends across the world appeal for Imran Khan’s wellbeing

news editor — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:59:24 +0000

Cricket legends across the world appeal for Imran Khan’s wellbeing

By Nawaz Gohar ; A coalition of former international cricket captains, including Indian legends Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, has launched a rare cross-border humanitarian appeal urging the Pakistani authorities to ensure dignified treatment and urgent medical care for Imran Khan, the former prime minister and cricket icon currently serving prison sentences.

The 73-year-old ex-cricketer, who led Pakistan to their only ODI World Cup triumph in 1992, has been in custody since August 2023 following convictions he claims were politically motivated. Concerns have been raised over the deterioration of his eyesight, though recent medical updates indicate some improvement.

Other signatories include former captains Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Mike Atherton, Clive Lloyd, and John Wright, alongside former Pakistani captains Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Ramiz Raja.

In a joint statement, the cricket greats emphasized that respect and fair play transcend national rivalries. They urged authorities to provide Khan with adequate medical attention, humane treatment, and full legal access, highlighting his contributions to the sport and his status as a global sporting figure.

This unprecedented international appeal underscores the unifying spirit of cricket and calls attention to the humanitarian concerns surrounding one of the game’s most celebrated all-rounders.

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Riazullah Khan helps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Whites clinch National U16 Cup title

news editor — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:52:45 +0000

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites beat Southern Punjab U16 Blues by 106 runs to clinch the title of National U16 Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday. The victory bagged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites PKR350,000 along with the glittering trophy.

This was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s fifth title in the 2021-22 cricket season. KP sides won the National T20, National U19 Cup, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and National U13 Cup before adding the National U16 trophy.

Batting first, Riazullah Khan scored his fourth half-century of the tournament to help Khyber Pakhtunkhwa post 255 for nine in 45 overs. He also scored a century in the tournament.

Player of the match Riazullah scored 75-ball 78 with 13 fours and one six. He finished the tournament with 419 runs at a staggering average of 83 and was also awarded with best batter of the tournament.

He stroked a crucial 128-run second wicket partnership with Afkar Durrani after Roman Alam Khan, was dismissed for four with only six runs on the board.

Afkar scored 49 and hit four fours and one six from his 79-ball stay at the crease. Captain Mohammad Zubair scored 47-ball 40, hitting four fours.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ansarullah made a quickfire unbeaten contribution of 28 runs from 15 balls and smashed one four and two sixes.

Southern Punjab’s Inamullah and Sameer Akhtar bagged three wickets each. Salman Ahmed grabbed two wickets for 31 in eight overs.

In return, Southern Punjab U16 Blues were dismissed for 149 in the 39^th over. Opening batter Adeel Mushtaq top-scored with a 72-ball 50. His innings included five fours and one six. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Haroon picked four wickets for 38 and was named best bowler of the tournament taking 17 wickets.

Huzaifa Khan took two wickets for 18 from six overs.

Central Punjab U16 Whites Tayyab Arif was named Player of the Tournament as the right-handed batter scored 414 runs at an average of 82.80 and took six wickets.

Northern U16 Blues Hassan Ijaz received the best wicketkeeper award as he took 10 catches behind the stumps.

All best performers in the tournament were awarded PKR30,000 each.

Scores in brief:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites beat Southern Punjab U16 Blues by 106 runs

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites 255-9, 45 overs (Riazullah 78, Afkar Durrani 49; Sameer Akhtar 3-42, Inamullah 3-65, Salman Ahmed 2-31)

Southern Punjab U16 Blues 149 all out, 38.3 overs (Rana Adeel Mushtaq 50; Zain Arshad 37; Mohammad Haroon 4-38; Huzaifa Khan 2-18)

Player of the match – Riazullah Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites)

Player of the tournament – Tayyab Arif (Central Punjab U16 Whites) 414 runs and six wickets

Best Batter of the tournament – Riazullah Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites) 419 runs

Best Bowler of the tournament – Mohammad Haroon (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 Whites) 17 wickets

Best Wicketkeeper of the tournament – Hassan Ijaz (Northern U16 Blues) 10 catches

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PCB top officials are not happy with Misbah and Azhar for meeting directly to PM Imran Khan

newseditor — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 09:44:59 +0000

By Akhtar Ali Khan
Top Pakistan Cricket Board officials will meet head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and Test captain Azhar Ali next week.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials are unhappy with Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Azhar for contacting the board’s patron chief directly and informing the board at the last minute.

Sources said that head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Azhar Ali have been called for a meeting next week.

Ehsan Mani or Wasim Khan or both will meet with the coach and captain. Sources said that Misbah and Azhar are employees of the PCB. The procedure they adopted was not correct. According to the policy of the board, they should not have spoken to the Patron Enchef without trusting the higher authorities.

It may be recalled that besides former captains Wasim Akram, Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, Test team captain Azhar Ali called on Prime Minister Imran Khan , while Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani and chief executive Wasim Khan Were also present

Sources said that the former cricketers demanded restoration of departments in domestic cricket and said that with the abolition of departmental cricket, local players have become unemployed.

According to sources, the Prime Minister rejected the proposal to revive departmental cricket, saying that regional cricket is the best domestic structure, assessing the difficulties arising from the demise of the old domestic system.

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No intention of contesting the elections.Shahid Afridi

newseditor — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 06:48:49 +0000

Peshawar:Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has said that he has no intention of contesting the elections.

He expressed these views while talking to media during a visit to a school in Hayatabad area of Peshawar.

Shahid Afridi said that the government’s plans would be on paper but not on the ground.

He also said there were problems with health, education and clean drinking water.

Shahid Afridi said he visited the Tirah Valley in Khyber District where people are suffering.

The former captain said he had no intention of running in the election.

Shahid Afridi once again questioned the capacity of those in Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet.

He said that there should be a team with Prime Minister Imran Khan to find a solution to the problems.

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Imran Khan inaugurates Qayyum Sports Complex

newseditor — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:42:29 +0000

PESHAWAR: Legendary cricketer Imran Khan laid down foundation stone of the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium by reconstructing it according to international need with all facilities costing Rs. 1.39 billion here Tuesday.

Besides him KP Information Minister Shah Farman, Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Muhammad Atif, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Higher Education Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Secretary Sports Muhammad Tariq Khan, Director General Sports Junaid Khan, Director Female Games Miss Rashida Ghaznavi, project director and his fan were also present.

Speaking on this occasion soon after inaugurating the foundation stone laying ceremony, Imran Khan said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is full of talent with the attaining international standard of the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, carrying a Test status international, it would help in bringing back international cricket to Peshawar.

He said now with the floodlight facilities the venues would be according to the international need. He said Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium host many international Test and One-Day International matches and with the up-gradation and equipping it with facilities that has currently in the Dubai Cricket Stadium, the Peshawarites would see top players in action again.

He said the govt is very keen to involve the youth in healthy and productive activities and that is why initiative had been taken to provide playgrounds facilities at Union Council, Tehsil and District levels.

He said 100 grounds has already been completed and handed over to the Directorate General of Sports KP to utilize them during the 3rd edition of the forthcoming Under-23 Games in which a record 11500 male and female athletes would participate in 26 male and 17 female sports disciplines.

He said normalcy has been returned to the province after the long years of militancy and it is a right time to arrange sports activities for the youth to portray the soft image of the province and involve them in productive activities. He said the youth voted PTI to power in KP and their welfare is the prime objective of the govt. Imran Khan said that the PTI led govt started a number of activities to provide opportunities to the youth to exhibit their hidden talent and bring name to the province and the country.

Later, the Cricket-turn-politician also inaugurated the recently rehabilitated Peshawar Sports Complex. The Stadium had been rehabilitated with a total cost of Rs. 164 million to provide enhanced sports activities to the upcoming players.

Briefing Imran Khan, Director General Spots KP Junaid Khan said after the execution of this project the Stadium would provide all the facilities required for modern day cricketer. The facilities includes improvement of ground, new pavilion, changing rooms, enhancing seating capacity from 1600 to 32000 spectators with chair, additional floor will be constructed on the stairs, flood-light as it was in the Dubai Stadium, dining halls, conference halls, swimming pool, office-rooms wash rooms blocks, media galleries, VIP stands, generators for floodlit, a National Cricket Academy on the patron of National Cricket Academy presently in the Qaddafi Stadium Lahore, Swimming, two gymnasium, indoor practice, indoor practice pitches, five star accommodations for the players, digital monitoring systems.

He said, a MoU has already been signed with the Chief Operating Officer Pakistan Cricket Board for establishment of the state-of-the-art cricket Academy in Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, which would be the second of such kind in Pakistan like NCA.

He said, the significant of the project is squash complex would be constructed in Peshawar by the end of June 2018 with an estimated cost of 100m, work has been started on Nowshera International Standard Multi-Purpose Gymnasium costing Rs, 220 million.

Work has been will be commence on Abbottabad International Standard Multi-Purpose Gymnasium costing Rs, 204 million, land has been selected for Swat Sports Complex and the project has been approved as a cost of Rs. 507 million, work in in full swing at Kohat Sports Complex (Indoor facilities) and will be completed by June 2018, that costing Rs. 172 million, the players hostel at Dera Ismail Khan Sports Complex would be completed by the end of March at the cost of Rs. 64 million, Bannu hockey turf at Qazi Mohib Hockey Stadium would be completed by April this year at cost of Rs. 55 million, female indoor sports facilities at Peshawar, near to completion with the cost of Rs. 30 million, Swabi Sports Complex costing Rs. 183 million would be completed by March this year, Rustum Sports Complex in Mardan would be completed at a cost of Rs. 241 million, Curtis Stadium Haripur will be inaugurated soon, that costing Rs. 30 million.

He said hockey turf at Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Charsadda, Swat and Peshawar will be laid down at the cost of Rs. 350 million, Athletic Track at Bannu, Kohat, and Dera Ismail Khan have already been approved with the cost Rs. 365 million.

He informed that 100 grounds have already been handed over to the Directorate of Sports with work on 50 more grounds at Union Council and Tehsil has been continued. He said that out of 65 schemes of rehabilitation of the exiting sports facilities, 35 has been completed including Qayyum Stadium. He said that reconstruction of Peshawar Sports Complex had been completed with a total cost of of Rs. 164 million. The old pavilion of the Qayyum Sports Stadium was demolished and a new pavilion has now been completed containing all the facilities of international standard football arena. The new facility changing rooms, sitting area, dining halls, conference halls, office rooms, washrooms blocks, media rooms, galleries, Jawan Markez, Standby Generator and others.

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DG ISPR lauds Lahore Qalandars’ players development efforts

newseditor — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:10:14 +0000

KARACHI: Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Officer met Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Thursday.

Qalandars CEO Atif Rana presented the team’s shirt to the DG ISPR, with his name printed on the back.

Major General Asif Ghafoor lauded Lahore Qalandars’ players development program, especially the franchise’s efforts in Kashmir.

Rana told Geo.tv that the DG ISPR was happy to know about the players development program of Lahore Qalandars.

“He was of the view that cricket is a unifying factor and appreciated Lahore Qalandars for their players development program,” Rana said.

The DG ISPR, according to Atif Rana, also expressed his best wishes for Lahore Qalandars for the third edition of Pakistan Super League.

Atif Rana also met Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan at the latter’s residence in Bani Gala. During the meeting, the CEO presented a signed bat on Qalandars’ behalf to the cricketer-turned-politician.

Imran Khan also praised the franchise’s cricket development efforts and expressed best wishes for the team, said CEO Atif Rana.

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Tickets for PSL Lahore matches go on sale

newseditor — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:07:06 +0000

LAHORE: The wait is finally over for fans in Pakistan: tickets for the two scheduled playoffs of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition in Lahore are now available online.

Tickets are available for Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Fazal Mahmood, Imran Khan, A.H Kardar, Majid Khan, Inzamamul Haq, Nazar Mohammad, Quaid’s, Abdul Qadir, Rajas, Javed Miandad, Saeed Ahmed, Imtiaz Ahmed, Zaheer Abbas, Hanif Mohammad, Saeed Anwar and Sarfraz Nawaz Enclosures.

The ticket range is from Rs 6,000 (VIP) to Rs 1,000 (General).

Tickets would also be available at designated branches of TCS Express Centres across many cities around Lahore in the next few days, according to the PSL website.

Tickets for the final, to be played at Karachi’s National Stadium on March 25, will go on sale from the first week of March.

The third edition of PSL commences from February 22 in Dubai, with the opening clash between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and PSL debutants Multan Sultans.

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