Traffic police issues diversion plan for Champions Trophy in Karachi

Karachi Gears Up for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Opener with Traffic Plan

KARACHI: As the city prepares to host the opening match of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 today, Karachi Traffic Police have released a comprehensive traffic plan, detailing road closures and designated parking areas for commuters.

The tournament kicks off with a clash between Pakistan and New Zealand, marking the country’s first ICC event since hosting the 1996 ODI Cricket World Cup.

The eight-team competition, featuring 15 matches, will take place from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as Dubai.

Tournament Format & Fixtures

The teams are divided into two groups:

• Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
• Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia

Hosts Pakistan will face New Zealand in the curtain-raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the much-awaited Pakistan-India showdown is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Karachi Traffic Plan & Road Closures

According to Traffic DIG, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open for general traffic during match days.

Designated Parking Areas:

• National Coaching Centre
• China Ground

Spectators coming from Karsaz can access these parking areas via the route under the flyover.

Heavy Traffic Routes & Closures:

• Heavy vehicles will be allowed to move from Sohrab Goth to Nipa, Liaquatabad No. 10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi to University Road.
• However, roads leading from Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town, and Stadium Signal to Hassan Square will be closed to heavy vehicles.

Authorities have urged fans to use designated parking spaces and avoid parking on roads or service lanes.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Captain: Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
Vice-Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Players: Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan

Pakistan’s Group Stage Matches

• Feb 19 – vs New Zealand (Karachi)
• Feb 23 – vs India (Dubai)
• Feb 27 – vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)

Full ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

• Feb 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi)
• Feb 20 – Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)
• Feb 21 – Afghanistan vs South Africa (Karachi)
• Feb 22 – Australia vs England (Lahore)
• Feb 23 – Pakistan vs India (Dubai)
• Feb 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
• Feb 25 – Australia vs South Africa (Rawalpindi)
• Feb 26 – Afghanistan vs England (Lahore)
• Feb 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
• Feb 28 – Afghanistan vs Australia (Lahore)
• Mar 1 – South Africa vs England (Karachi)
• Mar 2 – New Zealand vs India (Dubai)
• Mar 4 – Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
• Mar 5 – Semi-final 2 (Lahore)
• Mar 9 – Final (Lahore, unless India qualifies; then it will be played in Dubai)
• Mar 10 – Reserve day

All matches will be day-night encounters.