As Karachi prepares to host the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy, traffic police have announced a comprehensive plan to facilitate spectators and commuters.
The city will host three matches of the eight-team tournament, with the first game between Pakistan and New Zealand scheduled for February 19 at the National Stadium.
This marks the first ICC event held in Pakistan since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by the country.
The tournament, running from February 19 to March 9, will take place across three venues—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—and in Dubai.
The traffic plan aims to manage the anticipated influx of cricket fans and ensure smooth travel in the area surrounding the stadium.
According to Traffic Deputy Inspector General, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open during match days, though several roads will be closed to heavy traffic.
Traffic plan issued by Karahi Traffic Police. — Facebook@karachitrafficpoliceofficial
Special parking arrangements have been made for spectators.
Parking areas will be available at the National Coaching Centre, the Expo Centre, and China Ground. Fans arriving from Karsaz will be directed to these parking zones via the flyover route.
Heavy vehicles will be allowed to travel from Sohrab Goth to Nipa, Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi to University Road. However, access will be restricted from Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town, and Stadium Signal to Hassan Square.
Traffic authorities are advising spectators to avoid parking on roads or service lanes, urging them to use only the designated parking areas. VIP vehicles and those with special passes will be allowed to park within the stadium.
Public access to the stadium will be via the main gates and gates No 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14, with VIP vehicles entering through gate 8. Vehicles equipped with CNG cylinders will not be permitted inside the stadium.
The gates will open three hours before the match starts, while surrounding roads will remain open for general traffic.
The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin today with the defending champions, Pakistan, taking on New Zealand in the opening match at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match is set to start at 2pm PST.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the three Pakistani venues – Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone extensive upgrades, offering world-class facilities for players and spectators alike.
Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having won the 2017 edition by defeating India in the final. In that match, Fakhar Zaman scored 114 runs off 106 balls, earning him Player of the Match honors, while Hasan Ali was named Player of the Tournament for his 13 wickets across five games.
Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan
ICC Men's Champions Trophy Schedule
February 19 — Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
February 20 — Bangladesh v India, Dubai
February 21 — Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
February 22 — Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
February 23 — Pakistan v India, Dubai
February 24 — Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
February 25 — Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
February 26 — Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
February 27 — Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
February 28 — Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
March 1 — South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
March 2 — New Zealand v India, Dubai
March 4 — Semi-final 1, Dubai
March 5 — Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
March 9 — Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, else it will be played in Dubai)
March 10 — Reserve day
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