PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has signalled strong support for hosting Pakistan Super League matches in Peshawar after reviewing Imran Khan Cricket Stadium and meeting KP sports officials.
Peshawar is edging closer to hosting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches for the first time, after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed strong support for bringing top-level T20 cricket to the city. The assurance came during his visit to Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, where he held detailed discussions with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sports and security officials.
Officials present at the visit said the possibility of PSL fixtures in Peshawar has “significantly strengthened”, with the PCB chairman indicating that fans in the provincial capital could soon receive good news. The move would mark a major milestone for the city’s cricketing profile and reward the region’s long-standing contribution to Pakistan’s national team.
PCB Chairman Reviews Imran Khan Cricket Stadium
During his trip, Mohsin Naqvi visited Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar and received a detailed briefing on its current facilities and upgrade requirements. Officials from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department walked him through key aspects such as seating capacity, player and officials’ areas, media facilities, floodlights, security arrangements and crowd management plans for potential PSL matches.
The visit was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Secretary Sports Mohammad Asif Khan and Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider, reflecting the importance of security and logistics in deciding whether the stadium is ready to host high-profile T20 fixtures. Naqvi was reportedly satisfied with the progress and reiterated that PCB would work closely with the provincial authorities to address any remaining gaps.
He emphasised that bringing PSL games to Peshawar would not only boost local morale but also showcase the province as a capable host for major sporting events, provided that the necessary standards are fully met.
KP Talent at the Heart of Pakistan Cricket
Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that nearly 60 percent of Pakistan’s current national team players come from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling it clear evidence of the province’s deep cricketing talent. Peshawar and other KP cities have produced several of the country’s most dynamic cricketers, many of whom have starred in the PSL and on the international stage.
He noted that giving Peshawar its own PSL fixtures would be a natural step to recognise the region’s contribution to the national side. Hosting big matches at home would allow local fans to see their heroes in action, inspire the next generation of players and strengthen the connection between KP’s grassroots cricket and professional leagues.
The PCB chairman also announced that two teams would be formed from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the future to create more pathways for emerging players. This plan is expected to provide additional opportunities for talented youngsters from districts across the province to break into mainstream domestic and franchise cricket.
Boost for Peshawar’s Cricket Infrastructure and Economy
If PSL matches are officially awarded to Peshawar, the decision will likely trigger further investment in stadium infrastructure, transport links, security systems and fan facilities. International broadcast requirements and league standards typically demand high-quality playing conditions, reliable lighting, media boxes, digital scoreboards and upgraded seating arrangements.
Such improvements can leave a lasting legacy for local cricket, benefiting domestic tournaments, age-group matches and women’s cricket as well. Beyond sport, PSL fixtures bring measurable economic activity to host cities, including hotel bookings, restaurant business, transport demand and informal trade around match days.
For Peshawar, which already serves as a key commercial and cultural centre for the region, becoming a PSL host city could further improve its image as a safe and vibrant venue for national events, attracting visitors from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the rest of Pakistan.
Encouraging School Cricket and Youth Development
At the end of his visit, Mohsin Naqvi distributed prizes among players participating in the PCB Inter-Schools Cricket Final held at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium. The final, played between Afridi Model School and Government High School Bashirabad, ended in dramatic fashion with Government High School Bashirabad clinching the trophy after a thrilling Super Over.
The PCB chairman praised the performances of school-level players and linked their efforts to the broader goal of building a strong talent pipeline from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that PSL matches in Peshawar, combined with stronger school and club structures, would give young cricketers a clearer pathway to professional opportunities.
For many aspiring players, watching PSL stars compete at their home ground can be a powerful motivation. By aligning top-tier events with grassroots programmes, PCB and KP authorities hope to turn Peshawar into a true cricket hub where local passion is matched by strong facilities and professional opportunities.
