A controversy has erupted over the decision to change the name of Peshawar's historic Arbab Niaz Stadium.

The controversy erupts after K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has approved renaming the stadium, located in Shahi Bagh, to "Imran Khan Cricket Stadium." The decision will be presented for approval to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet on Friday.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that no HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held in Peshawar, as franchise teams have reportedly refused to play in the city.

Arbab Niaz's son, Arbab Shehzad, the former Chief Secretary of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and a former advisor to Imran Khan, has rejected the decision to rename the stadium.

He stated that changing the name to please Imran Khan is an unsuccessful attempt, adding that the stadium was named in honour of his late father through a resolution passed by the Peshawar Municipal Committee.

He further questioned whether the provincial government had sought permission from Imran Khan, who has long opposed naming roads or buildings after living individuals

Arbab Shehzad also reminded that in 2013, under Imran Khan's directives, the provincial cabinet had passed a resolution in his presence, stating that no building or road should be named after any living person. He emphasised that the stadium’s name should remain unchanged.