Peshawar, the heartbeat of enthusiastic Peshawar Zalmi supporters, eagerly anticipates its inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, a dream that has long evaded the city.
Despite ongoing renovations at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, hopes soar for Peshawar to finally join the ranks of PSL host cities. As Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan gear up for the ninth edition, talks linger on the possibility of a thrilling exhibition between Peshawar Zalmi and another franchise, potentially marking Peshawar’s grand entry into PSL hosting.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, propelled by enthusiastic negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fuels the quest to bring PSL action to Peshawar’s cricketing landscape.
Arbab Niaz Stadium at Peshawar is likely to host an exhibition match involving Peshawar Zalmi & another PSL team (similar to what Bugti Stadium hosted last year) in early 2024.
This will serve as a base to check the readiness of ANS to host domestic & international cricket.
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) December 20, 2023
Recent discussions between the PCB delegation and local government representatives, along with Sports Department officials, pave the way for this long-awaited possibility. The proposal shines a spotlight on the Hayatabad Cricket Stadium, emphasizing stringent standards for pitch quality and facilities, pivotal in securing the PCB’s endorsement.
To expedite this exciting venture, a dedicated committee is at work, crafting essential regulations that would solidify Peshawar’s bid to host the exhibition match. Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs, Matiullah Khan, exudes optimism, foreseeing a favourable outcome from ongoing negotiations.
The city’s hope surges, brimming with anticipation for its maiden PSL moment, while Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan continue their reign as established hosts in past seasons.
With ongoing dialogues and evolving discussions, hopes soar as Peshawar aims to secure its place in the illustrious PSL arena. Updates on the progress of negotiations and the promising future of Peshawar’s PSL journey are anticipated in the upcoming weeks, fueling the city’s excitement for this potential breakthrough.
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