Sports Reporter
PESHAWAR: With Peshawar’s rapidly growing population and the soaring popularity of cricket among the youth, former Director of Sports, Mir Basher Khan, has called for the construction of a state-of-the-art cricket stadium in Regi Lalma. According to him, while Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium and Gymkhana Ground hold historical significance for cricket in the region, these facilities have now become inadequate to meet current needs.
Alongside Arbab Niaz Stadium, building an international-standard cricket venue at Regi has become an urgent necessity, said Mir Basher Khan. He suggested that over 320 kanals of land owned by the Sports Department in Regi Lalma could be utilized for this purpose. The proposed plan also includes volleyball and tennis courts, an indoor sports gymnasium, and a residential colony for department employees.
Highlighting the abundance of talent in the region, he remarked, By the grace of God, our youth possess immense cricketing potential. A significant number of players in the national team hail from this area. If more facilities are provided, so much talent will emerge that PCB will struggle to select the final squad.
Mir Basher Khan also expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of private cricket grounds and academies in suburban areas like Shah Alam and Phandu Road, where large numbers of youngsters are engaged in training. Calling this trend encouraging, he said that timely government intervention could transform Peshawar into a true cricket hub.
He further emphasized adopting global practices, stating
In many developed countries, cricket grounds are constructed away from congested urban centers, offering athletes ample space and a peaceful environment. We should follow the same approach and establish modern stadiums in Peshawar’s outskirts.
Concluding his remarks, the former sports director reiterated that Peshawar, being a hub of raw talent, deserves additional government-backed cricket facilities, which would provide young players maximum opportunities to hone their skills.
