Islamabad traffic alert: major roads closed for Champions Trophy

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad authorities on Friday announced traffic advisory, closing down several roads due to the security concerns amidst visits of foreign cricket teams for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches.

International cricket returned to Pakistan after 29 years as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off Wednesday with a thrilling clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s world-class National Bank Stadium.

For the match, Karachi traffic police had issued a traffic plan to facilitate the public and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Pakistan face India in Champions Trophy high stakes clash

Similar traffic restrictions have been announced for Islamabad as the international teams are staying in the capital.

According to the traffic advisory issued for Islamabad, Serena Hotel and Express Chowk have been closed to traffic from both sides until further notice. However, all other entry and exit points of the Red Zone will remain open. 

Commuters can take the following alternate routes:  

• Traffic from Radio Pakistan towards Srinagar Highway should use Convention Centre and Kashmir Chowk. 
• Take Srinagar Highway for going towards Bhara Kahu from Aabpara  
• Traffic from Club Road towards the Red Zone should use Srinagar Highway and Seventh Avenue. 
• People coming from Zero Point should use the Serena Underpass loop and Club Road. 
• Authorities have urged motorists to plan their routes accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

Where to watch Champion Trophy in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, the matches will be available on television through partners PTV and Ten Sports. The matches will also be available digitally on Myco and Tamasha. In the UAE, games can be watched on television through CricLife MAX and CricLife MAX2. Online streaming will be available through STARZPLAY.

How to watch in other participating nations?

For Australia and New Zealand, coverage will be on Amazon Prime Video and Sky Sport NZ respectively. Fans within New Zealand will also be able to watch digitally on Now and SkyGo.

The United Kingdom will have a variety of channels featuring Champions Trophy games, including Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action. Their digital coverage will be available on SkyGO, Now, and the Sky Sports App.

Fans in South Africa can tune in on television or digitally, via SuperSport and the SuperSport App. First time participants Afghanistan will have matches available on ATN. Bangladesh will have matches on both Nagorik TV and T Sports on television, and on the Toffee app for those who want to watch digitally.

In India, JioStar will be broadcasting and streaming the games. Television coverage is available on Star and Network 18 channels, while matches will also be live streamed on Jio Hotstar.