Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar has established itself as a key venue for Twenty20 International cricket in Pakistan, hosting its first T20I match in 2016. The ground, owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA), serves as a primary home for T20 fixtures in the region.

Previously known as Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium, the venue is named after former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. It has a seating capacity of 14,000 spectators.

Overview

The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is a cricket venue located in Peshawar, Pakistan. The ground is owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA). Historically, the stadium was known by two former names: Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium. In 2025, the venue was renamed in honor of Imran Khan, who served as a former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team and as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022.

The stadium has a seating capacity of 14,000 spectators. It has hosted international T20 matches, with the first T20 match recorded at the venue in 2016. The venue serves as a key ground for T20I fixtures in the region.

Available data does not capture the highest team total or lowest team total at this venue across T20I competitions. Specific match scores, individual batting records, and bowling figures are not yet captured in the available data. Detailed statistics regarding highest individual scores, best bowling figures, and head-to-head matchups at this ground are not currently available in the source material.

Venue Profile and History

The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is a cricket venue located in Peshawar, Pakistan. The ground is owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA). It was previously known as the Arbab Niaz Stadium and the Shahi Bagh Stadium. The stadium is named after Imran Khan, who served as the Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.

Construction of the venue was completed in 1984 under the name Arbab Niaz Stadium. It replaced the Peshawar Club Ground as the primary home for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team in 1985 and for the Peshawar team in 1986. The stadium hosted international cricket between 1984 and 2006, featuring 6 Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs). A hiatus in international fixtures occurred due to security concerns following 2001, with the last match played in 2006.

Renovation plans initiated in 2017 aimed to increase the stadium capacity to 34,000. However, delays affected the project timeline, with further developments noted in 2022. The venue was renamed the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in 2025. The current recorded capacity of the stadium is 14,000.

The stadium hosted its first T20 International (T20I) match in 2016. Available data does not capture the highest team total, lowest team total, or individual batting and bowling records for T20I matches at this venue. Specific match scores, player statistics, and tournament events are not included in the current dataset.

T20I Records at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium

The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, Pakistan, has hosted international T20 cricket since 2016. The venue, which has a capacity of 14,000 spectators, is owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA). It was formerly known as the Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium. The stadium is named after Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan's cricket captain and Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022.

According to available Cricsheet data, the stadium hosted two T20I matches between 19 February 2016 and 21 February 2016. These matches provide the foundational statistical records for the venue in the T20I format.

Team Records

The highest team total recorded at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in T20I matches is 180/5. This score was achieved by Oman against Hong Kong on 19 February 2016.

The lowest team total recorded at the venue is 146/7. This score was posted by Hong Kong against the United Arab Emirates on 21 February 2016.

Individual Records

Available data does not capture the highest individual score at this venue across this competition. Available data does not capture the best bowling figures at this venue across this competition.

Who holds the individual batting and bowling records at this stadium?

Individual Batting and Bowling Records

Based on available Cricsheet data for T20I matches held at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, specific individual performance records have been identified. The data covers matches played at this venue in Peshawar, Pakistan, starting from the first T20 match in 2016.

The highest individual score recorded at this stadium is 122 runs. This performance was achieved by Babar Hayat, representing Hong Kong. The innings took place on 19 February 2016. This score stands as the top individual batting mark in the available T20I dataset for this venue.

In terms of bowling, the best figures recorded at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium are 3 wickets for 12 runs. These figures were achieved by Mohammad Naveed. The performance occurred on 21 February 2016. This represents the most economical and wicket-taking spell captured in the current T20I records for this ground.

These statistics reflect the early T20I history of the venue. The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, formerly known as Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium, is owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA). The stadium has a capacity of 14,000 spectators. The records cited above are specific to the T20I format and are based on the provided Cricsheet data. No other individual batting or bowling records are explicitly detailed in the available source material for this competition at this venue.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, Pakistan, has seen limited activity in the T20I format since its first match in 2016. As of 2026, the venue has not hosted any international matches since 2006, despite ongoing renovation efforts aimed at upgrading the facility. The stadium, owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA), has a capacity of 14,000 spectators and was formerly known as the Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium. It is named after Imran Khan, a former Pakistan cricket captain and Prime Minister (2018–2022).

In 2025, the stadium hosted an exhibition match between KP Zalmi and KP Panthers, marking a significant step in its revival. This match highlighted the potential for the venue to host high-profile games, although it remains to be seen if this will lead to more regular international fixtures. The event also brought to light ongoing conflicts between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the local administration regarding renovation standards. These disputes have slowed progress on upgrades, affecting the stadium's readiness for future matches.

Despite these challenges, the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium continues to be a focal point for cricket enthusiasts in Peshawar. The 2025 exhibition match demonstrated the venue's ability to accommodate modern T20I standards, but further investments and resolutions between the PCB and local authorities are necessary to ensure its sustained use in international cricket. As of now, no additional international matches have been scheduled, leaving the stadium's future in the T20I calendar uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

What is the seating capacity of Imran Khan Cricket Stadium?

The stadium has a capacity of 14,000 spectators.

When was the first T20I match played at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium?

The first T20 International match at the venue took place in 2016.

Who owns the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium?

The stadium is owned by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cricket Association (KPCA).

What were the previous names of Imran Khan Cricket Stadium?

Before being named after Imran Khan, the venue was known as Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium.

In which city is Imran Khan Cricket Stadium located?

The stadium is located in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Summary

Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is a 14,000-capacity venue in Peshawar, Pakistan, owned by the KPCA. It hosted its inaugural T20I match in 2016 and was formerly known as Arbab Niaz Stadium and Shahi Bagh Stadium.

See also