Champions Trophy begins in Pakistan after 29 years, traffic plan released

Karachi: The traffic plan for the Champions Trophy matches to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi today, February 21, and March 1 has been released.

Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open for traffic during the matches, and fans coming to the stadium will park their vehicles at the National Coaching Center and China Ground.

Those coming from Karsaz will reach the Coaching Center and China Ground from under the flyover. Heavy traffic will go from Sohrab Goth to Nipa, Liaquatabad No. 10 to Hassan Square, while heavy traffic coming from People's Chowrangi will go to University Road.

From Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town, Stadium Signal to Hassan Square will be closed for heavy traffic.

The DIG Traffic has appealed that fans should not park their vehicles and motorcycles on the road or service road, and that cricket fans should park their vehicles only at the designated places.

It is pertinent to note that the opening match of the Champions Trophy will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand today at 2:00pm at the National Stadium Karachi.

Pakistan is fully prepared to host an ICC event after 29 years. The condition of the three main stadiums has changed after the upgrade. Now, the Green Shirts will not only have to defend the Champions Trophy title with the best game on the field but will also have to fulfill the expectations of the fans on the home ground.

The visiting team is in high spirits thanks to the victory in the previous two bilateral matches, but the host side has also decided to make up for the defeats in the big match.

The Pakistan team's performance in ODI matches abroad was excellent, but the players disappointed in the tri-nation series at home. Rizwan and Salman's excellent batting against South Africa led to a record target victory, but they faced failure in both matches, including the final, against the Kiwis.

In the Champions Trophy starting today, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be the axis of the hopes of the Pakistani people in batting. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha are also expected to play well. The bowlers will have to stop the flood of runs. Haris Rauf has also become fit to support Shaheen Afridi, but the decision on whether to field him will be made before the match.

Naseem Shah and Abrar are also eager to show something. On the other hand, the Kiwi team has the support of several match winners including Kane Williamson. The pitch of the National Stadium Karachi will be favorable for batting.

On the other hand, President Asif Zardari will be the chief guest of today's match. An opening ceremony will be held before the match, and Pakistan Air Force aircraft will perform a flypast.