Financial issues slow down construction at Peshawar's iconic Arbab Niaz Stadium

A significant and urgent financial boost is required to complete the construction work at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, which last hosted an ODI between Pakistan and India on February 6, 2006.

Sources close to the construction work told Nukta that the progress is ongoing but has slowed due to financial challenges faced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

"The stadium is about 80 percent complete," a source shared. "However, we need Rs 120 million to install the express power line, which is crucial for uninterrupted electricity supply during games, as international venues cannot afford power outages."

Facilities in place

Nukta has learnt that three gyms for players have been built, along with a high-standard hostel with 24 rooms, accommodating 48 players and officials simultaneously. A swimming pool has also been added. However, the installation of appropriate lighting is still pending.

“Originally, 900-watt flood lights were planned, but after it was found that the ball was not visible under these lights, the plan was updated to install 1275-watt lights,” the source said.

A consultation is set to decide the import source for these lights.

"The pitch is ready, and the grass is lush. Two LED screens and an electronic scoreboard have been installed. Spectator facilities, including toilets and tuck shops, have been set up across five to six zones. Around 18,000 chairs have been installed, and 8,000 more will follow. The enclosures have been painted in different colors, offering a vibrant view, especially during night matches," the source added.

Reconstruction of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium was in full swing during December, 2020.Planning and Development Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

While civil work has paused in recent days, electrical work continues. Sources are optimistic that once funding arrives, the work will accelerate. The total project cost is estimated at Rs2 billion based on the revised budget.

The adjacent academy will continue to serve as the training zone for teams.

The source further added the government is finalizing the revised budget and preparing PC-1 for equipment installation, with the C&W department overseeing construction.

Will it be ready in time for PSL 10?

KP's Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, is actively pushing the project forward, fulfilling PTI founder Imran Khan's vision to prepare Arbab Niaz Stadium for cricket as soon as possible.

Previously, KP’s caretaker government proposed handing over the stadium to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reduce the province's financial burden, as PCB could handle the floodlight installation and stadium maintenance. However, that plan fell through.

Nukta has learnt that there is still much work to be done before the venue is fully ready for cricket. It remains uncertain if the stadium will be prepared in time for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), as financial disputes between the provincial and federal governments have caused delays.

Although the venue was expected to be completed by the end of June, that deadline passed, raising doubts about its readiness.
The next PSL season is scheduled for April-May, and it seems challenging for the KP government to finish the venue in time for Peshawar Zalmi to host their home matches, as the team primarily plays in Rawalpindi and Karachi, where they also have a large fan base.