By The much-awaited Tri-Nation T20 cricket series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is set to begin tomorrow, 18 November, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With thousands of cricket fans anticipated to attend, alongside strict security protocols, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has released a comprehensive traffic management plan to minimize congestion across key routes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The week-long tournament, which includes six group matches and a final scheduled for 29 November, is expected to bring heavy traffic on major corridors, including Srinagar Highway, Islamabad Expressway, Ninth Avenue, and all access roads leading to the stadium. To ensure smooth vehicular flow, more than 300 ITP officers will be on duty, facilitating diversions, assisting motorists, and managing choke points throughout match days.
Traffic Advisory & Key Guidelines
- Heavy delays should be expected on primary routes connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi
- Commuters are advised to add 15–20 extra minutes to their travel time
- FM 92.4, Islamabad Police’s social media pages, and helpline 1915 will provide live updates
- Emergency helpline: 15
- Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel near stadium premises
The traffic plan comes after a decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to shift the entire tournament to Rawalpindi due to heightened security concerns following a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad. Initially, the series was planned across Lahore and Rawalpindi, but centralizing the venue was deemed necessary for streamlined security and logistics.
Match Schedule
| # | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 Nov 2025 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 2 | 20 Nov 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 3 | 22 Nov 2025 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 4 | 23 Nov 2025 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 5 | 25 Nov 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 6 | 27 Nov 2025 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 7 | 29 Nov 2025 | Final | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
Officials have urged fans to arrive early, follow designated parking, and stay patient during movement restrictions. Meanwhile, non-attending residents are advised to use alternative routes to help reduce congestion.
Disclaimer
This information is based on official traffic announcements available at the time of writing and is subject to change. Commuters should verify updates through official ITP helplines and broadcast channels.
