KP Panthers defeat KP Zalmi by 40 runs in inaugural exhibition match
By Asim Sheraz
PESHAWAR: The long-awaited revival of the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar was marked with an exciting exhibition match between top cricketers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. After 19 years the stadium once again echoed with the cheers of cricket enthusiasts as the KP Panthers faced off against KP Zalmi in the inaugural game.
The match featured both national and international players from the province. KP Zalmi was led by Test cricketer Sajid Khan while Sahibzada Farhan captained the KP Panthers. The Panthers secured a convincing 40 runs victory in the opening match.
Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tashfeen Haider was the chief guest at the event. He was accompanied by Director Operations Jamshed Baloch, Director of Imran Khan Cricket Stadium Saleem Raza,President of Peshawar District Cricket Association Asghar Khan, Roz Ameen Khan, Assistant Director Accounts Shah Faisal and several other notable figures. A large crowd of spectators witnessed the match.
Speaking to the media DG Sports Tashfeen Haider stated that the exhibition match was organized on the special instructions of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtukhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and Provincial Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan. He said the primary aim was to restore the vibrancy of the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium. From today the stadium will be available for both international and domestic cricket events. He also announced that floodlights will be installed this month enabling night matches in the near future.
He added that efforts are being made to bring matches of PSL 11 and international fixtures to the venue allowing KP cricket fans to enjoy top-tier cricket after a long gap. He also revealed plans to host province-wide cricket leagues to keep the stadium active and engage local cricket lovers.
In the match KP Panthers batted first and posted a total of 198 runs for 7 wickets in the allotted overs. Amir Barqi top-scored with a brilliant 95 runs supported by Farooq’s 41-run knock. For KP Zalmi M. Irfan took 3 wickets while Arshad Iqbal claimed 2.
In reply KP Zalmi were bowled out for 158 runs. Fazal Rehman was the standout batter with 48 runs. For the Panthers Azam Khan picked up 4 wickets while Sameen Gul took 2. Amir Barqi was declared Man of the Match.
The chief guest DG Sports distributed prizes among the players and officials at the end of the match.
