Karachi authorities have announced a special traffic plan for the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) matches as the city prepares to host the second phase of the tournament at the National Stadium.
The Karachi leg begins today and will continue until April 28, during which the city will host 22 matches, including six double-headers, 10 single fixtures, and the qualifier. The opening game of this phase will see Hyderabad Kingsmen take on Peshawar Zalmi at 7:00PM.
Officials say the traffic plan has been prepared to help citizens avoid inconvenience and ensure smoother vehicle movement on match days, particularly around the stadium and routes linked to team travel. Security arrangements have also been finalized, with all participating teams set to receive VVIP-level protection.
More than 5,000 security personnel will be deployed for the matches. The plan covers the stadium, airport, hotels, practice venues, routes used by teams and officials, and other sensitive points.
Drone operations have been banned in and around the National Stadium, while sharpshooters will also be positioned at important locations.
Inside the venue, preparations are close to completion. Eight pitches have been readied for the Karachi matches, with batting-friendly conditions expected to produce high-scoring games, although spinners may also get some assistance.
Cleaning work in open enclosures has been completed, broadcasters have taken charge, and modern technology will be used to improve match presentation and coverage.
Flags of Pakistan, the PCB, PSL, and all eight participating teams have also been installed on the stadium’s main building as part of the final preparations.
However, preparations outside the venue still appear uneven. Open manholes around the stadium remain a safety concern ahead of the matches, raising questions over the state of civic arrangements in surrounding areas.
The city also appears to be missing the usual visual build-up associated with major PSL fixtures, with major roads and highways lacking welcome banners, hoardings, and player branding.
A double-header is scheduled for Thursday, with Lahore Qalandars facing Islamabad United in the first match, followed by Karachi Kings taking on Peshawar Zalmi.
Stay tuned to ProSports for all the latest PSL 11 news, updates, power rankings, stats, points table, and schedule.
