PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said that provincial government will make efforts that some of the matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Cricket Tournament 2021 are played in Peshawar.

He said that civil work was in progress on upgradation of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium to develop it up to the required standard and all the preparations to that effect would be completed timely provided that situations in coronavirus pandemic context were favourable.

He was chairing a meeting of the sports department here on Monday to review the possibilities of holding some of the next PSL matches in Peshawar, said an official statement.

The meeting also reviewed progress so far made on upgradation of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium for the possible holding of the PSL matches.

The meeting was informed that civil work on upgradation of the stadium and work on provision of the required facilities in the stadium was in progress, however, the pace of work was affected due to the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.

Officials said that six to seven months would be required to complete necessary arrangements in the stadium.

The chief minister said that promotion of sports activities in the province was one of the top priorities of the government. He added that government was taking result-oriented steps under a comprehensive strategy devised in that regard.

He directed the relevant authorities of sports and communication and works departments to make all out efforts to complete civil work on upgradation of stadium and provision of other allied facilities well in time, so that holding of some of the PSL matches at the stadium could be possible.

Mr Khan also directed the authorities concerned to ensure uninterrupted provision of the required funds to accelerate the pace of civil work on upgradation of Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2020