The highly anticipated exhibition match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, set to take place on April 8 in Peshawar, faces uncertainty due to unresolved issues at the newly constructed Arbab Niaz Stadium.
Concerns have emerged regarding the stadium’s outfield conditions, pitch quality, and overall infrastructure, casting doubt on the feasibility of the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed dissatisfaction with the venue’s readiness, further increasing the likelihood of cancellation.
According to sources, a PCB inspection team recently assessed the stadium and identified several shortcomings. Their report highlighted the poor state of the playing surface and raised alarms over missing essential facilities in the dressing rooms, which are crucial for players and team staff. The stadium, expected to be a modern cricketing venue, appears to lack fundamental amenities, raising questions about its preparedness for hosting professional matches.
With PSL 10 marking a milestone in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament, the exhibition match in Peshawar was planned as a significant event for local cricket enthusiasts. However, the logistical challenges and inadequate stadium conditions have put the fixture in jeopardy.
In response, the PCB has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to expedite necessary renovations and upgrades to ensure the match can proceed as scheduled. Officials stress that immediate improvements are required to meet professional cricketing standards and provide a safe playing environment.
The exhibition match was expected to bring PSL action closer to fans in Peshawar, a city with a strong cricketing culture. However, unless swift measures are taken to address the stadium’s deficiencies, the event may face cancellation, disappointing fans and stakeholders alike. The final decision on whether the match will proceed now depends on the timely completion of the required upgrades.
