KARACHI: With the deployment of thousands of law enforcers, a large part of Karachi has turned into a high-security zone ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final — the city’s biggest cricket match in nine years — to be played on Sunday (today).

The final match in Karachi has created a wave of enthusiasm among cricket fans. But there have also been issues as large parts of the metropolis have been closed off for security drills and rehearsals in the run-up to match day, creating traffic chaos around the final’s venue.

As millions of cricket fans would be glued to their television screens on Sunday when defending champions Peshawar Zalmi take on Islamabad United, the winner of PSL’s first edition, more than 30,000 enthusiasts who have bought tickets for the final to be part of the live action at the National Stadium would have to test their patience to reach their destination.

Following is a brief guide on the basis of information shared by officials reviewing security, parking, traffic and transportation arrangements for fans having tickets to get to the National Stadium on the day of the match.

Traffic plan for the day

Roads surrounding the stadium will be closed for traffic at 11am.

No one is allowed to approach the stadium directly. All spectators must first approach the car parking areas.

Sharea Faisal and Shahrah-i-Quaideen will remain open to traffic throughout the day.

Over 30,000 spectators set to watch live action at National Stadium

While the match is under way, roads leading to Hassan Square and New Town and the Dalmia Road will be closed to traffic.

Roads leading to the Aga Khan University Hospital and Liaquat National Hospital on Stadium Road will, however, remain open during the match.

What next?

Step 1: Get to a car parking area. There are five parking areas dotted around the stadium. You will need to carry your tickets with you to show at checkpoints in order to get to the parking areas.

Car parking areas:

• Kashmir Road parking area

• Mangal Bazaar parking area

• Hakeem Said playground parking area

• Federal Urdu University parking area

• Stadium Road parking area near Dalmia

Step 2: At the car parking area you choose, there will be a marshalling area. Here, you will undergo the first of the three physical searches. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) staff will verify your tickets and allow you to move onwards to the shuttle service.

Step 3: The shuttle service will drop you off at a designated drop zone. There are three drop zones — one at the Expo Centre, one opposite Bahria University, and the third opposite the Aga Khan University Hospital. You will undergo another physical search at the drop zone.

Step 4: The distance from the drop zone to the stadium gates is about 200-300 metres. You will walk from the drop zone to the gates. If you are a senior citizen and/or disabled, you will be transported from the drop zone to the stadium gates via bus.

Step 5: You will undergo a third physical search at the stadium gates. Once inside the stadium, PCB staff will guide you to your seats.

Step 6: After the match, you will be transported back to the marshalling area at the car parking via the shuttle service. Spectators are requested to use the same shuttle service and route they came to the drop zone in.

Security procedures for VIPs and VVIPs will be communicated to their security officers. Ambulances will be present at the parking areas in case of a medical emergency.

Timings

• Shuttle service begins and stadium gates open at 12pm

• Stadium gates close at 5pm

• Opening ceremony takes place around 6pm

• Match starts at 8pm

• Match expected to end by midnight

Security clearance is estimated to be a four-hour-long process. Please plan accordingly.

Here’s also a list of do’s and don’ts for the day of the match:

Do:

• Carry your mobile phone

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather — the stadium does not have a roof

• Carry your ticket with you — you won’t be allowed into the parking area if you are without a ticket

• Carry some money to buy food and drinks at the venue

Don’t:

• Carry a power bank to charge your mobile phone — make sure your phone has enough power to last through the match

• Carry eatables from outside — vendors will have set up food stalls at the car parking area for visitors to buy food and drinks from.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2018