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PESHAWAR, Aug 30 (APP): Peshawar witnessed its biggest cricket carnival in 19 years as the iconic Arbab Niaz (Imran Khan) Cricket Stadium came alive with a historic flood relief match between Peshawar Zalmi XI and Legends XI.
The event, jointly organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Directorate General of Sports, and Peshawar Zalmi, drew thousands of cricket lovers from across Peshawar and remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, turning the Stadium, once consider a key venue for International Cricket, into a houseful spectacle.
The electrifying atmosphere was filled with cheers, chants of “Pakistan Zindabad”, and the thrill of seeing cricketing superstars back in action. Fans were treated to a nostalgic display as Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis rolled back the years with their fiery bowling, while the batting brilliance of Babar Azam and Inzamam-ul-Haq delighted the crowd.
Despite a rain interruption, ground staff worked tirelessly to prepare the field. Legends XI captain Inzamam-ul-Haq won the toss and invited Zalmi XI to bat first. Led by skipper Babar Azam’s 41 and Yasir Hameed’s 35, Zalmi set a competitive total of 145. For Legends XI, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Rehman took three wickets each, while Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez added two apiece.
In reply, Legends XI fought hard but were restricted to 137 runs for six wickets in the allotted overs. Inzamam-ul-Haq entertained fans with an unbeaten 47, while Azhar Mahmood contributed 34. Zalmi XI secured victory by eight runs, capping off a thrilling contest that brought joy to cricket fans after nearly two decades.
The match was attended by PSL COO Salman Naseer, Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jehan, several provincial ministers, city dignitaries, and a large number of spectators. Strict security arrangements ensured a safe and festive occasion.
At the conclusion, Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the KP government, cricket legends, players, and fans for making the event a resounding success. He emphasized that the match not only revived international cricket in Peshawar but also carried a noble purpose of solidarity with flood victims.
Provincial Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jehan hailed the match as a historic milestone, highlighting that after 19 years, the Stadium had once again regained its glory. He announced that Pakistan Super League fixtures will also be scheduled in Peshawar in the future.
The proceeds from the match will be dedicated to the rehabilitation of flood victims, making the occasion both a sporting triumph and a humanitarian effort. Peshawar’s return to the cricketing map, marked by passion, nostalgia, and unity, was celebrated as one of the most memorable sporting events in the city’s history.
The devastating floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have claimed more than 400 lives, reflect a wider tragedy across Pakistan as thousands remain displaced and missing. In such testing times, the nation has always found strength in the solidarity of its sports legends, who step forward to raise funds, awareness, and hope. Just as cricketers and athletes have supported relief efforts in past disasters, Pakistan once again looks toward its heroes to unite the country and stand with flood victims in their hour of need.
Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, formerly known as Peshawar Club Ground, is located in the heart of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It was renamed in honor of Arbab Niaz Muhammad, a former provincial minister who played a key role in promoting sports in the region.
The stadium was built in the 1980s and became one of Pakistan’s recognized international cricket venues. It hosted first match in 1984 between Pakistan and India, while the first One Day International (ODI) was played in 1984 as well. Over the years, the ground has witnessed some historic cricketing moments, including matches featuring legends like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, and Sachin Tendulkar.
With a seating capacity of around 20,000 spectators, it was once a bustling center for international cricket in the region. However, due to security concerns and lack of renovations, international matches stopped being played there for nearly two decades.
In recent years, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the provincial government have worked on its renovation, expanding facilities and upgrading seating. The ground is now being revived with hopes of hosting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches and possibly international cricket once again.
Brief Score:
Zalmi X1
145 all out 14.1 overs
Babar Azam 41
Yasir Hameed 35
Shahid Afridi 3/12
A Rehman 18/3
Legends X1
137/6
Inzamam ul Haq 47
Azhar Mahmood 34
Zalmi win by 8 runs