The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed rumors suggesting that the name of former cricketer and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan would be removed from one of the enclosures at the recently renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This follows speculations that his name was being taken down due to his imprisonment on corruption charges.
In response to these rumors, a PCB official clarified, “No names have been changed or removed on enclosures,” reaffirming that the names of all stadium enclosures, including the one associated with Khan, will remain unchanged. The official also emphasized that the enclosure names will stay as they have always been.
Imran Khan’s name has been a permanent fixture at Gaddafi Stadium since 1992, with the “Imran Khan enclosure” being one of the VIP stands at the stadium. This controversy emerged amid the ongoing renovations at the stadium in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on February 19.
Khan, who captained Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup, has vehemently denied allegations of corruption. He has repeatedly claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated and part of a broader vendetta. Despite these denials, a recent court ruling found both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi guilty of corruption and sentenced them to prison. Khan was sentenced to 14 years, while Bushra Bibi received a 7-year sentence. Currently, Khan remains incarcerated in Attock Jail in Punjab.
This clarification by the PCB comes as a relief to many of Khan’s supporters, who have been vocal in defending him against these charges. As the Champions Trophy approaches, the status of the Gaddafi Stadium, where Khan’s legacy is deeply ingrained, continues to remain a point of public interest.