Pakistan(National Times)- KARACHI: The metropolis is set to host three ICC Champions Trophy matches at the National Stadium today (Wednesday), February 21 and March 1. As the city braces for the opening match — marking the beginning of the first ICC event since the 1996 ODI Cricket World Cup hosted by the country — between the national side and New Zealand, traffic police have issued a detailed traffic plan to facilitate cricket fans and commuters. 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.Play Video Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while 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, who will be able to park their vehicles at the National Coaching Centre, the Expo Centre and the China Ground. Those coming from Karsaz will be directed to these designated parking areas via 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 the 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. Meanwhile, VIPs and vehicles with special passes will be allowed to park inside the stadium. For entry, only the main gates and Gates No 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14 will be accessible to the public. VIP vehicles and those with stickers or passes can enter through gate 8. Additionally, vehicles fitted with CNG cylinders will not be permitted inside the stadium premises. The stadium gates will open three hours before the start of the match, whereas the roads around the stadium will remain open for general traffic.
Pakistan’s squad
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicket-keeper), 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.
Green Shirts’ fixtures
Feb 19 — vs New Zealand, Karachi
Feb 23 — vs India, Dubai
Feb 27 — vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 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
*All matches will be day-night encounters
