Peshawar, March 22, 2025: Cricket fever is set to grip Peshawar as Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators gear up for an exhibition match at Arbab Niaz Stadium on April 8, 2025. The highly anticipated showdown marks a significant step in the revival of high-profile cricket in Peshawar, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aiming to expand the sport’s reach across the country.
The exhibition match is part of the PCB’s broader initiative to engage local fans and generate excitement ahead of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL X). This isn’t the first time the PCB has staged such a match—in 2023, an exhibition game in Quetta drew significant attention, highlighting the nationwide enthusiasm for cricket. The success of that event played a key role in bringing top-tier cricket back to Peshawar.
Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, has long advocated for PSL matches in the city. His efforts, combined with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s vision, have paved the way for this exhibition fixture. The match is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, reigniting cricket passion in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Following the exhibition match, PSL 10 is set to kick off on April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The six-team tournament, running from April 11 to May 18, will feature 34 matches across four cities as Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the Grand Final while Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will stage 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches each.
Additionally, the schedule includes three double-headers, two on Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1).
The PCB has yet to announce the complete lineup for the April 8 exhibition match, but anticipation is already building among fans eager to see their favorite stars in action. This match is set to be a landmark moment in Peshawar’s cricketing history, bringing the city closer to hosting full-fledged PSL matches in the future.
