KARACHI: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off today at the National Stadium in Karachi between the Host Pakistan and New Zealand after a 29-year hiatus of the ICC tournaments in Pakistan.
As Karachi will host the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand today and two others on February 21 and March 1, the traffic police chief has issued a detailed traffic plan to facilitate cricket fans and commuters.
According to the Traffic deputy inspector general, both lanes of Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open, while special parking arrangements have been made at the National Coaching Centre and China Ground.
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.
The eight-team tournament, comprising 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, 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, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996 — ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which concluded with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.
