With the Tri-Nation Series in full swing and the much-anticipated Champions Trophy set to start on February 19 at the National Stadium, Karachi’s traffic police have laid out a traffic management plan for smooth movement around the city.
The Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams and spanning 15 matches, will take place from February 19 to March 9. Matches will be hosted across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
The teams are split into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
Pakistan will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, while cricket fans are eagerly awaiting the high-stakes showdown between Pakistan and India on February 23 in Dubai.
Traffic Plan Details
According to the Karachi traffic police, the city will host two matches from the Tri-Nation Series on February 12 and 14, along with three Champions Trophy matches on February 19, 21, and March 1.
The issued statement confirmed that “Sir Shah Suleman Road would remain open for traffic during match days.”
For those heading to the stadium, parking will be available at the National Coaching Centre and China Ground.
The statement specified that “those coming from Karsaz, Millennium Mall and New Town would be able to park at the National Coaching Centre and China Ground,” with access provided through the underpass.
While heavy traffic will be permitted on certain routes, including Sohrab Goth to Nipa, Liaquatabad No.10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi to University Road, there will be restrictions in place. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the following roads:
- Karsaz to Stadium Road
- Millennium to New Town
- Stadium Road to Hassan Square
Pakistan Squad for the Tournament
The squad for the Champions Trophy includes:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Champions Trophy Match Schedule
- February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
- February 20: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai
- February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi
- February 22: Australia vs. England, Lahore
- February 23: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai
- February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- February 25: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi
- February 26: Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore
- February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
- February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore
- March 1: South Africa vs. England, Karachi
- March 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai
- March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore
- March 9: Final in Lahore (if India qualifies, the final will be played in Dubai)
- March 10: Reserve day
All matches will be played as day-night fixtures, ensuring exciting action under the floodlights. With this traffic plan in place, authorities aim to manage congestion effectively while cricket fans enjoy the thrilling tournament ahead.