The 20-year wait is over — the time for boundaries and sixes has arrived in Peshawar as the national T20 cricket festival is set to begin on Saturday. Spectators will witness matches under modern floodlights at Imran Khan Stadium for the first time.
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi will inaugurate the event. All participating teams have reached Peshawar, while police and security forces have secured the stadium. Ticket sales are ongoing.
According to details, T20 matches are being held at the stadium after 20 years. After the Pakistan-India ODI in 2006, a stadium expansion and modernization project was launched and has now been completed. Modern LED lights — similar to those used in Dubai — have been installed, along with a new pavilion and new enclosures.
Teams participating in the tournament arrived in Peshawar yesterday and also held practice sessions. The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken control of the stadium, and the pitches have been prepared.
Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that all arrangements, including security, have been completed. Two matches will be played daily. The teams are divided into two groups.
The first match on Saturday will be played at 4:15 PM between the host team and Lahore Whites. The second match at 9:15 PM will feature Faisalabad and Karachi Whites.
The semifinals will be played on March 17, followed by the final the next day. Ticket sales continue, and the chief minister will officially open the matches at 8:00 PM.
Also Read: ICC T20 Player of the tournament nomination,Pakistani player included
