Champions Trophy 2025: Traffic Plan Issued for Karachi Matches

Karachi is set to host three ICC Champions Trophy matches. The matches will be held at the National Stadium today (Wednesday), February 21 and March 1. The city is bracing for the opening match, which marks the beginning of the first ICC event since the 1996 ODI Cricket World Cup hosted by the country. The opening match is between Pakistan and New Zealand. To ensure smooth commutes, traffic police have issued a detailed plan.

The eight-team tournament, comprising 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9. The matches will be held across three venues — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan and Dubai. The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia. 

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Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi. The blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. According to the Traffic deputy inspector general, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open for vehicular traffic during the matches. Special parking arrangements have been made for cricket fans. Fans will be able to park their vehicles at the National Coaching Centre and the China Ground.  

Those coming from Karsaz will be directed to these designated parking areas by taking the route under the flyover. Heavy traffic will be allowed to move from Sohrab Goth to Nipa, from Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square and from PP Chowrangi to University Road. However, routes from Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town and the Stadium Signal to Hassan Square will be closed to heavy vehicles. The Traffic DIG has urged spectators not to park their cars or motorcycles on the roads or service lanes, advising them to use only the designated parking areas.