Key points
- Security clearance granted after high-level meeting
- Top civil and military officials attended
- PCB, KP government to boost cricket
PESHAWAR: The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium has been formally approved as a venue for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is scheduled to take place from 26 March to 3 May.
The decision followed a high-profile meeting at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, where officials assessed the overall security situation in the province before granting clearance for matches to be held in the city, according to an official statement.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the national security adviser, the Peshawar corps commander, along with senior civil and military representatives.
Participants paid tribute to civilians and members of the security forces who lost their lives in recent terrorist attacks across the country.
Domestic cricket
Separately, Naqvi — who also serves as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) — noted that 60% of the national cricket team’s players hail from KP, underscoring the province’s contribution to the sport.
He said the PCB was working closely with the provincial government on domestic cricket and promised positive developments to ensure local talent is nurtured.
Naqvi also praised KP police for their role in operations against those responsible for the 6 February Islamabad suicide attack, which killed more than 30 people and injured dozens.
Commenting on international matters, he said discussions with the ICC were aimed at addressing what he described as unfair treatment of Bangladesh. He added that Pakistan’s decision to boycott its T20 World Cup 2026 match against India carried no personal motive and aligned solely with Bangladesh’s position.
