Peshawar Archives

PCB confirms rescheduling of PSL 10 exhibition match in Peshawar

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday confirmed the postponement of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium.

The highly anticipated contest was originally scheduled for April 8, 2025, marking an important step in reviving top-tier cricket in the region.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to reschedule the match, and a new date will be announced soon.

“PSL X exhibition match scheduled between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar on 8 April will be rescheduled, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed today,” the cricket board stated in a press release.

“The revised date of the match will be announced in due course.

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“The PCB remains committed to hosting matches at the international stadium in Peshawar and will continue to provide all support to the provincial government to make the venue operational.”

This initiative is part of PCB’s efforts to bring elite-level cricket back to Peshawar, engaging fans who have long awaited the return of PSL action to their city.

This isn’t the first time PCB has hosted an exhibition match as a prelude to PSL. Back in 2023, a similar game in Quetta generated immense excitement, setting the stage for the league’s successful campaign that year.

Meanwhile, the 10th edition of the PSL is set to commence on April 11, 2025. The opening match will see defending champions Islamabad United take on two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The tournament, featuring six teams and 34 matches, will run from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is set to host 13 matches, including both Eliminators and the grand final.

READ: Russell Domingo named Lahore Qalandars’ head coach for PSL 10

Sahibzada Farhan’s blazing ton powers Peshawar to National T20 Cup final

FAISALABAD: A sensational century from Sahibzada Farhan and an all-round bowling effort helped Peshawar cruise into the National T20 Cup final with a dominant win in the first semifinal against Abbottabad at Iqbal Stadium here on Wednesday.

Batting first after being put in, Peshawar Region posted a mammoth 243/3 in their 20 overs, completely dismantling Abbottabad’s bowling attack.

The charge was led by Farhan’s breathtaking 148 off just 72 balls, an innings packed with 10 fours and 12 sixes, striking at a staggering 205.56.

Sahibzada Farhan found early support from Waqar Ahmed, who contributed a steady 34 off 27 balls before departing at 116/1 in the 12th over. Maaz Sadaqat then kept the momentum going with a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six.

But it was the final flourish that made Peshawar’s total even more daunting. Muhammad Amir Barki smashed 20 off just five balls, striking at 400, while Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten on 2 as they finished in commanding fashion.

Abbottabad’s bowlers had no answers, with Shahab Khan, Yasir Shah, and Ahmed Khan managing a wicket each. Their cause wasn’t helped by eight extras, including six wides and two no-balls.

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Chasing 244, Abbottabad needed a near-perfect start, and Shahzaib Khan provided hope with a fighting 53 off 43 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.

Sajjad Ali Hashmi played an aggressive 37 off just 22 balls at a strike rate of 168.18, but his dismissal at 74 in the 7th over halted the momentum.

A brief counterattack from Afaq Ahmed (14 off 6) and Khayam Khan (13 off 6) kept the scoreboard ticking, but the middle order crumbled under pressure.

Atizaz Habib Khan (5), Ahmed Khan (2), and Kamran Ghulam (2) failed to make an impact as wickets kept tumbling.

Khalid Usman (17 off 10) and Shahab Khan (32 off 17)* added some late resistance, but it was too little, too late. Abbottabad eventually finished at 187/8, falling 56 runs short.

For Peshawar, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Imran Jr., Israrullah, and Iftikhar Ahmed took two wickets each, ensuring a comfortable win and sealing a spot in the National T20 Cup final.

READ: Two players added to Pakistan ODI squad for New Zealand series

PCB confirms exhibition match in Peshawar ahead of PSL 10

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday confirmed that an exhibition cricket match will be played in Peshawar before the commencement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

The cricket board revealed the schedule of the PSL 10 earlier today, revealing that the xi-team event will run from 11 April to 18 May.

While announcing the schedule, the PCB confirmed that Peshawar would host an exhibition match, giving cricket fans in the city a thrilling spectacle.

“Also, the upcoming edition will feature an exhibition match, which will be played on 8 April in Peshawar. The teams of the match will be confirmed in due course,” the PCB stated in a press release.

According to sources, the upcoming match is scheduled to take place at the Arbab Niaz Stadium, a historic venue currently undergoing significant renovation.

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The construction team is diligently working to complete the improvements on time, ensuring that the stadium will be fully equipped and ready to host the exhibition match before PSL 10.

This strategic move is part of the PCB’s broader initiative to reintroduce top-tier cricket to Peshawar, aiming to reignite the passion of local fans and draw them back into the thrilling atmosphere of live cricket.

This wouldn’t be the first time PCB has organized an exhibition match before the PSL. Back in 2023, a similar game was held in Quetta, which garnered significant attention and excitement from cricket enthusiasts.

For the unversed, Arbab Niaz Stadium was a prominent venue for international cricket two decades ago. However, due to the political situation in the region, it has not hosted any international matches since 2006.

The last international match held at Arbab Niaz Stadium was an ODI between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

READ: Senior Pakistan players likely to be rested for New Zealand tour: sources

Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium to host exhibition match ahead of PSL 10

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host an exhibition match at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, according to sources.

The exhibition game will feature top Pakistani players in action, giving Peshawar cricket fans a thrilling spectacle.

Before the match, construction work at Arbab Niaz Stadium is set to be completed, ensuring that the venue is ready to host the event.

The move is seen as part of PCB’s efforts to bring top-tier cricket back to Peshawar and engage fans in the region.

Previously, Peshawar Zalmi’s owner Javed Afridi requested the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to consider Arbab Niaz Stadium as one of the venues for the PSL 10.

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He sent an email to the PCB, highlighting the importance of hosting games at Zalmi’s home ground while requesting to form a committee to ensure the hosting of PSL in Peshawar.

After receiving backing from the Chief Minister and the PCB chief, Javed shared the information on his social media handle.

“Had a productive call with CM KP @AliAminKhanPTI. He has given directives to the sports department to release funds for the remaining 20% job at Arbab Niaz Stadium Peshawar,” Afridi posted on X.

“Chairman PCB is in favor of hosting the Peshawar Zalmi games in Peshawar. Get ready for some thrilling events before PSL, fans will see International Stars at KP Soil. InshaAllah.”

For the unversed, Arbab Niaz Stadium was the centre of international cricket two decades ago, however, due to the political situation in the region the venue did not host any international match since 2006.

The last international match at Arbab Niaz Stadium was an ODI between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

READ: Afghanistan squad reaches Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium set for revival after 19 years

PESHAWAR: The Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital is poised for a revival after a hiatus of 19 years, with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 matches expected to be played at the venue.

According to ARY News, authorities have started to consider hosting Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 matches. The sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have revealed that two matches of the PSL 10 could be played at this stadium.

It’s worth noting that an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation recently visited the stadium to assess its suitability for hosting international matches.

On this occasion, the delegation conducted a comprehensive survey of the ground, pavilion, route for foreign players, and hotel access. The Peshawar Police Chief briefed them on the security arrangements in place.

The officials stated that considering security arrangements there are plans to build a helipad close to the stadium, install drone monitoring, and set up a shuttle service for fans.

Previously, Peshawar Zalmi’s owner Javed Afridi requested the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to consider Arbab Niaz Stadium as one of the venues for the PSL 10.

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He sent an email to the PCB, highlighting the importance of hosting games at Zalmi’s home ground while requesting to form a committee to ensure the hosting of PSL in Peshawar.

After receiving backing from the Chief Minister and the PCB chief, Javed shared the information on his social media handle.

“Had a productive call with CM KP @AliAminKhanPTI. He has given directives to the sports department to release funds for the remaining 20% job at Arbab Niaz Stadium Peshawar,” Afridi posted on X.

“Chairman PCB is in favor of hosting the Peshawar Zalmi games in Peshawar. Get ready for some thrilling events before PSL, fans will see International Stars at KP Soil. InshaAllah.”

The last international match at Arbab Niaz Stadium was an ODI between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

READ: Training schedule for tri-nation ODI series unveiled

Peshawar defeat Karachi Whites to win Pakistan Cup 2023-24

RAWALPINDI: Peshawar clinched their third one-day cup title after defeating Karachi Whites at Pindi Cricket Stadium by five wickets in the Pakistan Cup 2023-24 final.

Nabi Gul hit the winning runs for Peshawar as the Sahibzada Farhan-led side pocketed a cash prize of PKR 5 million.

Peshawar’s last national one-day title win came in the 2016-17 season when they beat the same opponent at National Bank Stadium, Karachi in the final by 124 runs.

Karachi Whites began their innings patiently after being put in to bat first by Peshawar on a surface that seemed to assist the fast bowlers.

The first blow arrived in the eighth over with Habibullah dismissed by left-arm pacer Mohammad Imran.

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Saim Ayub, who starred with 95 in the semi-final of the Pakistan Cup for Karachi Whites, was the second batter to exit the stage when Imran struck again to have him caught by Azam Khan. Wickets continued to tumble as none of the top five batters could register a score above 13.

Karachi Whites skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed courtesy of a sharp catch by Iftikhar Ahmed for just 22 off 25 balls.

Azam Khan was the last man out for 30 off 46 deliveries as Karachi merely scrambled to 103 all out in 31.2 overs.

Imran was the chief destroyer with four wickets for 28 runs while Mohammad Abbas Afridi got three wickets.

Peshawar did not face serious hiccups in their chase of the paltry target getting home with five wickets and 27.4 overs to spare.

Mohammad Haris top-scored with a quick-fire 46 from 33 balls featuring seven fours and a six.

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Sahibzada was out in bizarre fashion as he inadvertently whipped the bails off with his bat resulting in a hit wicket off Ghulam Mudassar.

The other four wickets to fall were taken by Noman Ali (two wickets), Danish Aziz and Saim (one each).

Multan’s Haseebullah took home the Player of the Tournament and best wicket-keeper awards for his tally of 326 runs including two centuries and 10 dismissals during the Pakistan Cup 2023-24.

Saim topped the batting chatting charts with 397 runs in eight innings and was duly named the best batter of the tournament.

Multan leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood and Peshawar fast bowler Abbas Afridi were the joint winners for the best bowler award with 15 wickets each. For his impactful figures of 4-28, Mohammad Imran was declared player of the final.

READ: Mohammad Yousuf appointed as Pakistan U19 Head Coach

Karachi Whites beat Multan to set up Pakistan Cup final clash with Peshawar

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Whites defeated Multan Region by 43 runs in the second semi-final of the Pakistan Cup and will now face Peshawar in the final.

The match was ended due to poor light and the result was decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

Multan openers Zain Abbas and Sharjeel Khan fared poorly with Zain being caught out after making six off 13 and Sharjeel being ducked off eight balls.

Left-handed batter Haseebullah however, delivered a powerhouse innings making 106 off 108 deliveries with 12 fours and two sixes and continued to play until the last ball.

Sohaib Maqsood made 32 off 35 before being caught by Sarfaraz Ahmed off the bowling of Nauman Ali in the 15^th over.

Sharoon Siraj lost his wicket via a run-out at seven off 15. Muhammad Shehzad and Muhammad Imran ended their runs at 26 (31) and 28 (25) respectively.

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Sohail Khan registered a four-fer claiming the scalps of Imran, Zahid Mehmood, Faisal Akram and Mohammad Sadaqat while conceding 44 runs.

Ghulam Mudassar claimed two wickets and conceded 31 runs. Noman Ali and Asad Shafiq took one wicket each.

Earlier, the partnership between Karachi Whites openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub had managed to yield a collective score of 106 runs.

Shan Masood’s wicket fell earlier in the 15^th over and he ended his run at 41 off 38. Saim Ayub became Karachi Whites’ highest run-getter with 95 off 86 deliveries featuring 12 fours and one maximum.

He continued to play till the 26^th over and lost his wicket to Zahid Mehmood.

Right-handed batter Habibullah managed to pull off 40 off 45 deliveries before losing his wicket to Muhammad Imran.

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Asad Shafiq registered a dismal performance and was sent to the pavilion after scoring only four runs off eight deliveries.

Danish Aziz managed to make 33 off 42 before being sent back in the 41^st over. Sarfaraz Ahmed amassed 28 off 27 deliveries and lost his wicket to Tahir Hussain while Anwar Ali managed 22 off 14 before being bowled by Mohammad Sadaqat.

Multan’s Imran claimed the scalps of Shan Masood, Habibullah and Azam Khan while conceding 58 runs.

Faisal Akram and Mohamad Sadaqat claimed two wickets each while Tahir Hussain and Zahid Mehmood bagged one wicket each.

Karachi Whites made 280 runs, losing all their wickets in 44.3 overs setting a match-winning target of 281.

They will now take on Peshawar in the final of the Pakistan Cup at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

READ: “Babar Azam made the right decision,” says Kamran Akmal

Peshawar thump FATA to book Pakistan Cup final berth

RAWALPINDI: A combined effort from the bowlers led Peshawar to defeat FATA by 44 runs in the first semi-final of the Pakistan Cup at Pindi Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

Earlier, Peshawar had finished first on the points table at the conclusion of the round-robin stage while FATA had finished fourth.

FATA were bundled out for 201 in 41.1 overs in pursuit of the 246-run target set by Peshawar, who were put into bat first.

Watch Pakistan Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

FATA openers Mohammad Farooq and Samiullah Jnr made 13 off 31 and two off nine with the latter losing his wicket earlier in the fifth over. Salman Khan Jnr scored 46 off 60 before getting caught by Adil Amin off the bowling of Iftikhar Ahmed.

Rehan Afridi made a meager 13 off 20 before losing his wicket to Azam Khan in the 17^th over while Mohammad Sarwar Afridi emerged as his side’s highest run-getter scoring 56 off 45 balls featuring three boundaries and three sixes. He was the last batter to be dismissed.

The performance of FATA’s lower-order batters remained under par and they failed to withstand Peshawar’s bowling attack.

Peshawar’s Mohammad Abbas Afridi claimed three wickets and conceded 34 runs while off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed, pacer Mohammad Imran and left-arm spinner Azam Khan claimed two wickets each.

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Earlier, Peshawar managed to score 245 at the expense of seven wickets. Opener Sahibzada Farhan played an impressive innings scoring 69 off 76 balls featuring 11 boundaries before being bowled by Khushdil Shah in the 28^th over.

Fellow opener Maaz Sadaqat, however, managed to make only 16 off 27 before losing his wicket to Shahid Aziz in the 13^th over.

Kamran Ghulam registered a dismal performance making only one off six deliveries before being sent packing by Asif Afridi while Mohammad Haris managed 28 off 28 balls before getting caught by Khushdil Shah off the bowling of Sameen Gul.

Iftikhar Ahmed entered the fray in the 28^th over and was sent packing by Khuhdil Shah after scoring only five off 14 balls.

Nabi Gul pulled off 43 off 42 before conceding his wicket to Shahid Aziz in the in the 43^rd over. Mohammad Abbas Afridi made only three off four balls before being caught by Usman Khan Shinwari off Shahid.

Adil Amin managed a brisk 56 off 58 balls and continued to play till the end of the innings along with Azam Khan.

Shahid Aziz claimed three scalps at the expense of 55 runs. Khushdil Shah claimed two wickets at the expense of 39 runs while Sameen Gul and Asif Afridi took one wicket each.

Meanwhile, the second semi-final of the ongoing Pakistan Cup between Karachi Region Whites and Multan Region will take place at the same venue on Friday.

READ: Mohammad Hafeez appointed as Director of Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team